ZANU-PF faces showdown as factional rifts deepen ahead of Mutare conference

As ZANU-PF’s National People’s Conference begins in Mutare on October 17, 2025, delegates will rally around slogans of unity and economic recovery. However, beneath the surface, the conference marks a pivotal moment in a fierce internal power struggle. The rivalry between Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and business magnate Kudakwashe Tagwirei threatens to reshape Zimbabwe’s political future.

Chiwenga opposes Mnangagwa’s “ED2030” campaign to extend the presidency beyond 2028, advocating for an orderly succession process. This rift highlights tensions between military and business interests within the party. Mnangagwa, while publicly neutral on the issue, relies on Tagwirei’s financial backing to maintain political support.

Three scenarios could emerge from the conference: Mnangagwa’s allies may push for an extension of his presidency, Chiwenga could block this move, or the party could plunge into open rebellion. The outcome will have significant implications for Zimbabwe’s future, risking economic instability and international disengagement if the internal conflict escalates. The Mutare conference is set to test whether ZANU-PF can hold together or if it will fracture under the weight of personal ambition and financial influence.