Zimbabwe Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Zimbabwe
Today, we’re taking a trip down south—not to Lekki or Banana Island o—but all the way to Zimbabwe 🇿🇼. That’s right! We’re diving into the world of power, influence, and serious moolah as we explore the Top 10 Richest Men in Zimbabwe.
Now, before you start asking if they all own gold mines or drive bulletproof Bentleys through Harare traffic, calm down. These men didn’t just stumble into wealth while sipping tea and scrolling through Instagram. Nah, these are hustlers—some of them turned adversity into opportunity, others capitalized on business brilliance, and a few have names that carry weight in every corner of Southern Africa.
So sit back, grab your popcorn—or kilishi, I’m not judging—and let’s cruise through the fascinating lives of these Zimbabwean tycoons. You just might learn a thing or two about making money, even if it’s just how to pronounce “Masiyiwa” correctly 😅.
1. Strive Masiyiwa – The Telecom Titan
Estimated Net Worth: $1.8 Billion
Ladies and gents, meet Zimbabwe’s poster boy for billionaire success. Strive Masiyiwa is the founder of Econet Wireless, Zimbabwe’s leading telecom company. But don’t get it twisted—his empire goes far beyond sim cards and data bundles.
This guy built his fortune from the ground up—literally. After being exiled from Zimbabwe in the 1990s for challenging government policy (yes, he sued the Mugabe-led government and won), Strive moved to South Africa and launched Econet. From there, the man just refused to stop winning.
Econet now operates in over 15 countries, including Nigeria. Yes oh! That’s how you know money is real—when it crosses borders before you do.
Masiyiwa also sits on the boards of Netflix and Unilever. I repeat, NETFLIX. As in, while you’re binge-watching “Bridgerton,” he’s helping decide what you get to watch next. Goals, abi?
He’s also a major philanthropist—he's funded scholarships for over 250,000 African students. Now that’s big uncle energy.
2. Billy Rautenbach – The Controversial Mogul
Estimated Net Worth: $800 Million
Ah, Billy! The man, the myth, the headline-maker. If Zimbabwe had a business tabloid, Rautenbach’s face would probably be on the cover every month.
Billy made his fortune in transport, mining, and agriculture, but his story isn’t your typical feel-good tale. This man has danced with controversy, faced sanctions, been investigated—and still managed to grow his bank account faster than your mobile data disappears.
His company, Green Fuel, is Zimbabwe’s top ethanol producer. So yes, while some of us are still hustling for fuel subsidy explanations, Billy’s out here producing the fuel.
Despite his run-ins with authorities in multiple countries (cue suspense music), Rautenbach remains one of the richest and most influential businessmen in Zimbabwe. Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him.
3. Shingi Munyeza – The Pastorpreneur
Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
From pulpit to portfolio, Shingi Munyeza has done it all. A former CEO of African Sun Limited, he transformed the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe with swanky hotels and resorts that cater to the high and mighty.
But wait, that’s not all. Munyeza is also a pastor. Yup, Pastor Shingi doesn’t just preach on Sundays; he also preaches financial wisdom and national development.
Though his name has been entangled in a few scandals in recent years, there’s no denying that the man knows how to multiply his coins. If money were a sermon, Munyeza would be on fire 🔥.
4. Nicholas Van Hoogstraten – The Zimbabwean-British Baron
Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Here’s a name you don’t forget quickly. Nicholas Van Hoogstraten is like that mysterious uncle who always wears sunglasses indoors and has houses in multiple countries.
Originally British, Nicholas is a real estate mogul with heavy investments in Zimbabwe. He owns large swathes of land, multiple businesses, and luxury properties.
He’s known for being blunt, eccentric, and ruthless—which, if we’re being honest, is kind of the starter pack for real estate billionaires. His influence in Zimbabwean agriculture and property sectors is enormous. Just don’t try arguing with him—unless you want to be blocked in real life.
5. Phillip Chiyangwa – The Flashy Entrepreneur
Estimated Net Worth: $288 Million
Ah yes, Uncle Phil. If you know Zimbabwean pop culture, you know Phillip Chiyangwa. He’s flashy, flamboyant, and fearless. He’s like Zimbabwe’s version of a high-speed Instagram reel—you never know what you’re going to get.
Phillip made his money in real estate, construction, and business consultancy. At some point, he even represented Zimbabwe in FIFA. So yes, from football to Forbes-level finances, this man is everywhere.
He’s also known for his bold political statements and unapologetic lifestyle. Don’t be surprised to see him cruising around Harare in a Bentley while wearing a gold-trimmed agbada. The man lives like it’s always a red-carpet event.
6. John Bredenkamp – The Business Chameleon (Late)
Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million (at the time of death)
Although he passed away in 2020, John Bredenkamp’s legacy is still echoing through Zimbabwe’s business circles.
He made his fortune through tobacco, trading, and arms deals. Yes, arms—as in military equipment. The man was part of the James Bond economy.
Love him or loathe him, Bredenkamp was one of Zimbabwe’s most influential businessmen, operating in the shadows of politics and global trade.
He wasn’t just rich; he was powerful, and his empire still carries weight years after his passing.
7. Mthuli Ncube – The Economic Technocrat
Estimated Net Worth: $150 Million
Okay, let’s switch gears a bit. Meet Professor Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister and a respected economist. Now you might be asking: “How does a government official get that rich?”
Relax—this guy didn’t stumble upon Ghana-Must-Go bags. Before joining government, he was a Vice President at the African Development Bank and a professor of finance. He has multiple degrees, investments, and advisory roles that have paid off handsomely.
Think of him as that one friend who’s always in a suit, talking about "macroeconomic stability" over lunch. But behind those economic policies lies a man who knows how to build and grow wealth.
8. Divine Ndhlukula – The Queen of Security
Estimated Net Worth: $100 Million
Wait, hold up. Yes, I said men, but let’s sprinkle in a little greatness from the ladies because Divine Ndhlukula is in a league of her own!
She’s the founder of SECURICO, Zimbabwe’s top security company. And before you ask—yes, she started the business with just a small capital and an even bigger dream.
Divine has changed the narrative for women in Zimbabwe’s corporate world and shown that with vision, discipline, and a touch of divine favor, anybody can win. She’s proof that you don’t have to be a political godfather or gold miner to become wealthy in Zim.
9. Wicknell Chivayo – The Instagram Millionaire
Estimated Net Worth: $120 Million
If you’re on social media, chances are you’ve come across Wicknell Chivayo’s extravagant lifestyle. He’s the kind of guy who takes pictures beside stacks of cash like it’s decoration.
Wicknell made his money through energy contracts and government projects. While his wealth has raised a few eyebrows over the years (people love to whisper about how he got rich), one thing is clear: the guy is loaded.
And he doesn’t hide it. Private jets, luxury rides, designer clothes—you name it, Wicknell has posted it on the ‘Gram.
10. Joe Mutizwa – The Quiet Corporate Billionaire
Estimated Net Worth: $90 Million
Let’s wrap it up with a man who prefers boardrooms over ballrooms. Joe Mutizwa is the former CEO of Delta Corporation, Zimbabwe’s largest beverage company (think beer, soft drinks, and everything in between).
Unlike some others on this list, Joe is soft-spoken, focused, and precise. He’s the kind of guy who makes major moves behind the scenes—no noise, just results.
Through strategic investments and corporate leadership, he’s quietly built one of the most respected business profiles in the country.
Final Thoughts: So, What Can We Learn from Zimbabwe’s Billionaire Boys’ Club?
You see, money doesn’t just fall from heaven like mana from the sky. These men (and the one queen among them) earned their riches through calculated risk, business strategy, and sometimes, sheer audacity.
From telecoms to transport, from hotels to high-stakes politics—Zimbabwe’s richest prove that diversification and resilience are key. They faced everything from exile and lawsuits to political controversy and global sanctions—and still came out on top.
So dear reader, if you’re still waiting for that “big break,” don’t worry. Today’s cybercafé operator could be tomorrow’s telecom mogul. Stay learning, stay grinding, and who knows? Maybe one day, your name will pop up in Africa’s billionaire list—and this blogger will write about you.
Now tell me, which of these billionaires impressed you the most? Let’s gist in the comments section!
Until next time, stay wealthy in mind—even if your account balance disagrees for now 😉
