Key Points
- Econet Global founder Strive Masiyiwa tops Zimbabwe’s rich list with a $1.8 billion fortune, driven by telecoms, fintech, and renewable energy ventures.
- Kudakwashe Tagwirei dominates energy, while Kenneth Sharpe transforms Harare’s skyline with large-scale real estate projects under West Property Group.
- Billy Rautenbach’s mining empire, Zed Koudounaris’ retail success, and Philip Chiyangwa’s diverse ventures cement their influence on Zimbabwe’s economic future.
Zimbabwe’s wealthiest business figures aren’t just accumulating fortunes—they are shaping the nation’s economic future in ways both visible and far-reaching. Their influence extends across industries that define the country’s financial pulse: telecommunications, real estate, mining, energy, retail, and finance.
Operating in an economy that has long been tested by hyperinflation, currency instability, and unpredictable policies, these entrepreneurs have navigated shifting tides with calculated risk-taking and an unyielding drive. Strive Masiyiwa, the architect behind Econet Global, has built one of Africa’s most formidable telecom empires, all while driving philanthropy through the Higherlife Foundation. Kenneth Raydon Sharpe has reshaped Harare’s skyline with ambitious real estate projects, while Billy Rautenbach remains a dominant force in mining and agriculture, with interests stretching across the continent.
Philip Chiyangwa has built a diversified empire spanning real estate, manufacturing, and telecoms, while John Moxon, through Meikles Limited, continues to steer one of Zimbabwe’s most established retail and hospitality giants. Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s expansive energy holdings and Zed Koudounaris’ retail ventures further cement their positions as key players in Zimbabwe’s financial ecosystem.
From boardrooms to construction sites, these business leaders are not only securing their legacies but also shaping Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory—generating jobs, driving industrial expansion, and redefining what’s possible in a challenging market.
Billionaires Africa presents Zimbabwe’s 10 richest men in 2025, exploring their industries, strategies, and the sheer scale of their influence.
- Strive Masiyiwa
Sector: Telecommunications, Technology
Strive Masiyiwa, the founder and executive chairman of Econet Global, is Zimbabwe’s wealthiest individual, with a net worth of $1.8 billion. His journey began in 1998 when he launched Econet Wireless Zimbabwe after a hard-fought legal battle to break government monopolies in the telecom sector. Today, Econet operates in over 20 African countries, and Masiyiwa holds a 38 percent stake in the publicly traded company and 33 percent in EcoCash, a leading mobile money platform. Beyond telecoms, he has ventured into fintech, satellite communications, and renewable energy. He has been a Netflix board member since 2020 and invests in power distribution companies across Africa. His philanthropic efforts are just as impressive—through the Higherlife Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Tsitsi, Masiyiwa supports education and social development in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Burundi, and Lesotho.
- Kudakwashe Tagwirei
Sector: Energy
Kudakwashe Tagwirei is the founder and executive chairman of Sakunda Holdings, a conglomerate with interests in energy, trading, and infrastructure. Under his leadership, Sakunda has become one of Zimbabwe’s biggest players in the fuel and energy sector, ensuring the country’s energy needs are met. His influence extends beyond energy—his investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics have strengthened his position as one of Zimbabwe’s wealthiest individuals. Tagwirei remains a major economic force, with business interests that continue to shape key sectors of the country’s economy.
- Kenneth Raydon Sharpe
Sector: Real Estate
Kenneth Sharpe has made his mark as a real estate tycoon, transforming Zimbabwe’s urban landscape through his company, West Property Group, which he founded in 2007. His projects have played a major role in modernizing Harare, reshaping the city’s skyline with large-scale developments. A key moment in his career came in 2006 when West Property Group partnered with Ukrainian businessman Oleksandr Sheremet and rebranded as West Property Company. The company is behind major housing projects like Kuwadzana 4 Extension, which includes 4,500 homes, and Mainway Meadows, a 2,300-home development. Through his work, Sharpe has positioned himself as a major player in Zimbabwe’s booming real estate sector.
- Zed Koudounaris
Sector: Retail, Manufacturing
Zed Koudounaris has built his wealth in the retail and manufacturing industries as a co-founder of Innscor Africa Limited, a conglomerate with businesses in food, packaging, and distribution. While he maintains a relatively low profile, his 2.5 percent stake in the company reflects his strong presence in Zimbabwe’s corporate world. Under his leadership, Innscor has expanded across Africa, becoming one of Zimbabwe’s leading conglomerates. His ability to scale businesses across different sectors has solidified his reputation as a key player in the country’s economy.
- Billy Rautenbach
Sector: Mining, Farming, Transportation
Billy Rautenbach amassed a vast fortune through his ventures in mining, farming, and transportation. His business empire extends beyond Zimbabwe into South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique, making him one of the most influential figures in Southern Africa. Rautenbach’s aggressive business strategies and expansion into multiple sectors have kept him at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s economy, playing a major role in the region’s industrial and agricultural development.
- Philip Chiyangwa
Sector: Diversified Investments
Philip Chiyangwa is a businessman and politician with a diverse investment portfolio spanning real estate, manufacturing, and telecommunications. He founded Native Africa Investment Ltd. and Midiron Investments, which have interests in footwear, steel production, and metal engineering. He also owns Pinnacle Property Holdings, focusing on real estate development. His deep political connections have influenced his business dealings, particularly through his role in the Affirmative Action Group, where he has been a strong advocate for indigenous business empowerment.
- John Moxon
Sector: Hospitality, Retail, Agriculture
John Moxon is the driving force behind Meikles Limited, a company he has shaped into a multi-sector giant since 1970. Through Meikles Consolidated Holdings, he owns a 48.4% stake (126.3 million shares), making him one of the most powerful figures on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. His leadership, however, has not been without controversy. In November 2024, Meikles shares were suspended amid a boardroom dispute. The crisis began in October when CEO Malcolm Mycroft was dismissed and replaced by Moxon’s son, Matthew Moxon, while Moxon was hospitalized. Mycroft was accused of negotiating a secret sale of Meikles’ stake in the Victoria Falls Hotel—a move seen as undermining shareholder value. Despite the turmoil, Moxon remains one of Zimbabwe’s most influential businessmen, leading a conglomerate that spans supermarkets, hospitality, mining, and agriculture.
- Moses Chingwena
Sector: Automobile
Moses Chingwena is the founder and executive chairman of Croco Motors, one of Zimbabwe’s leading automobile firms. Representing global brands like Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda, Croco Motors has grown into a key player in vehicle sales, servicing, and financing. Chingwena’s business interests go beyond the automotive sector—he has expanded into agriculture, real estate, and financial services. His contributions to Zimbabwe’s economy include job creation and infrastructure development, cementing his role as one of the country’s most influential entrepreneurs.
- Shingai Mutasa
Sector: Diversified Investments
Shingai Mutasa has built a business empire through Masawara, an investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market. His portfolio spans finance, technology, real estate, agrochemicals, and hospitality. He has played a major role in some of Zimbabwe’s biggest real estate projects, including Joina City Centre—the tallest shopping mall in Harare. His investments continue to have a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s economy, shaping the country’s financial and business landscape.
- Ian Saunders
Sector: Mining
Ian Saunders has made his fortune in the mining industry through his company, New Dawn Mining Corp. Specializing in gold mining, Saunders has played a key role in expanding Zimbabwe’s mining sector, contributing significantly to export revenues and job creation. His expertise and leadership have solidified his place among Zimbabwe’s top business figures, with his mining ventures continuing to drive economic growth in the country.
