Mangudya honored with top African Gong in London for transforming Mutapa Fund
Business Reporter
THE Mutapa Investment Fund CEO, Dr John Panonetsa Mangudya has been honored with the African Sovereign Investment Leadership Excellence Award at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2026.
The prestigious accolade recognizes his strategic stewardship of Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund and his distinguished career in economic management and national development.
Presented during the African Leadership Magazine Africa in London, the award celebrates Dr Mangudya’s exceptional leadership in transforming the Mutapa Investment Fund into a commercially disciplined, transparent and high performing institution that is catalyzing infrastructure development and economic growth in Zimbabwe.
Dr Mangudya was appointed to lead the Mutapa Investment Fund on May 1 2024 , following a decade of service as Governor of the Reserve bank of Zimbabwe from 2014 to 2024.With over 38 years of experience spanning banking , economic research , and corporate governance , including key roles as Chief Economist at the Reserve Bank, international banker at Afrixembank, and Group CEO of CBZ Bank , he has brought unparalleled expertise to the helm of Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth vehicle.
The Magazine said under his leadership, the Mutapa Investment Fund, which oversees more than 30 owned enterprises, has undergone a remarkable financial turnaround.
“The fund achieved a 503% surge in surplus after tax for the 2025 financial year, increasing profits to US$21,67 million, with total asset closing at US$16,5 billion. This performance was anchored by securing over US$1 billion in infrastructure financing deals during 2025, focused on energy grid rehabilitation, logistics upgrades and national asset enhancement,” said the publication in a statement.
They further noted that Mangudya has demonstrated a commitment to long term strategic growth and global best practices after establishing a further US$1.075 billion project pipeline for execution throughout 2026.
“He formally committed the Fund to the Santiago Principles, aligning Zimbabwe’s sovereign investment framework with international benchmarks for transparency, governance and accountability.
“The African Business Leadership Awards recognize outstanding individuals and organisations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence are shaping Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable development,” the publisher added.
