Harare — Newly appointed Senator Kudakwashe Tagwirei has promised to bring his business expertise to Parliament, saying he hopes to help shape legislation that will foster entrepreneurship and drive Zimbabwe towards its Vision 2030 goals.

The prominent businessman and founder of Sakunda Holdings was among ten senators appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, which expanded the Upper House from 80 to 90 members .

Speaking to journalists shortly after being sworn in, Tagwirei expressed gratitude for his appointment, which he said he had “least expected.”

He emphasised that his background as a businessman and entrepreneur would be his primary contribution to parliamentary debates.

“I come from the business fraternity and also [am] an entrepreneur,” Tagwirei said.

“I hope to bring that expertise into the Senate, into debate, so that we can grow the economy in line with Vision 2030, that we can be able to assist business, to be able to change the way that we do business” .

Tagwirei, who was recently co-opted into the Zanu PF Central Committee, said he was excited that Chinhoyi would host the party’s annual conference and pledged to assist in preparations.

While acknowledging he hails from Harare, he suggested the capital city would “outshine” the host town, adding cryptically, “Watch, watch and watch.”

The new senator, also delivered a message of encouragement to ordinary Zimbabweans, drawing from his own humble beginnings.

“In 1983, 1984 as a young boy, I was a cattle herder. I would herd cattle even at Christmas. I never envisioned that one day I would be standing here,” Tagwirei recalled. “I want to say to the boy whose future looks bleak that yes you can make it because yes, it is possible. I am here to represent you.”

Tagwirei acknowledged the transition from the business world to politics would require adjustment. “It is a new environment, I am not used to it. I am coming from the business environment,” he conceded .

His appointment has not been without controversy. The tycoon, who built his empire through Sakunda Holdings with interests in fuel, mining and agriculture, is under United States and British sanctions for alleged corruption and state capture.

Tagwirei has consistently denied allegations of corruption, maintaining that his companies operate legally and transparently .