Bona Mugabe Appointed Deputy Chairperson of EmpowerBank Board

Bona Mugabe Chikore has been appointed deputy chairperson of the newly constituted EmpowerBank board tasked with supporting youth enterprises in Zimbabwe.

Bona Mugabe, the daughter of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, has been appointed deputy chairperson of the board of EmpowerBank following the constitution of a new seven-member board. The appointment was made by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire as part of a restructuring of the state-backed financial institution aimed at strengthening youth empowerment initiatives.

According to Statutory Instrument 132 of 2026, announced by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Solomon Mhlanga, the new board members will serve a four-year term. The appointments were made in line with provisions of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act. The newly constituted board will be chaired by William Chaitezvi, while Mrs. Chikore, also known as Bona Mugabe Chikore, will serve as deputy chairperson. Other members appointed to the board include Margaret Mupfiga, Patience Matshe, Ebrahim Ali Makunganya, Marcos Nyaruwanga, and Peter Makotsi.

EmpowerBank is a government-backed financial institution established to provide funding and financial support to youth-led enterprises and empowerment initiatives across Zimbabwe. The new board is expected to guide the bank’s strategic direction, strengthen governance, and expand financial access for young entrepreneurs seeking capital to start or grow businesses.

Officials say the institution plays a key role in supporting youth development, job creation, and economic participation, particularly as Zimbabwe continues efforts to improve access to finance for emerging entrepreneurs.

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