Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
THE newly appointed chief executive officer of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Mr Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa, has been given the responsibility of accelerating reforms, which include recapitalisation, resource mobilisation and introducing cost-cutting measures, at the parastatal.
Mr Charangwa was appointed substantive CEO with effect from 1 April, marking a shift from the long-standing general manager structure.
According to a press statement released by the NRZ, the announcement was first made by board chairperson Dr Misheck Sibanda during Wednesday’s board meeting.
“National Railways of Zimbabwe is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026,” the statement reads in part.
“NRZ board chairperson, Dr Misheck Sibanda, announced the appointment of Mr Charangwa during a meeting with senior management in Bulawayo on Wednesday . . .
“Announcing his appointment, the NRZ board chairperson said Mr Charangwa is tasked with the mandate to ensure the recapitalisation and resource mobilisation for NRZ to secure modern infrastructure, rolling stock and systems to improve reliability and customer service.
“Dr Sibanda said Mr Charangwa is expected to lead a comprehensive review of NRZ operations, which includes eliminating inefficiencies, implementing rigorous cost-cutting measures and safeguarding service quality and safety.”
Mr Charangwa reportedly brings over 20 years of global experience in multi-asset investment management, programme and project management, as well as business turnaround strategies.
His expertise, the NRZ said, spans infrastructure development, capital resource mobilisation and business performance optimisation, with a focus on emerging markets and frontier markets in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
He once served as head of investments at the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and Old Mutual, and as Government investment adviser to the NRZ and other State-owned enterprises (SOEs).
NRZ is among nearly 30 SOEs whose assets were transferred to capitalise the Mutapa Investment Fund, as the Government moves to unlock value and improve the performance of public entities.
The rail operator is currently undergoing a major recapitalisation programme aimed at restoring operational efficiency and service delivery.
Key interventions include the procurement of critical locomotives, wagons and coaches to boost capacity.
The programme also covers the rehabilitation and upgrading of track infrastructure, signalling and communication systems, electrical infrastructure, as well as plant and equipment.
