Economic commentator Gift Mugano has left the opposition, saying he will now focus on working with the ZANU-PF-led government.
Mugano has long been a vocal critic of the government and worked closely with the opposition CCC in drafting the party’s economic blueprint ahead of the 2023 general elections.
At one point, ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused Mugano of spreading false information about the economy, including inflation figures, debt sustainability, and the impact of government reforms.
Mutsvangwa warned that Mugano’s commentary was “bordering on sabotage” and suggested the party would not tolerate attempts to undermine confidence in the economy.
Following the warning, Mugano said he would stop commenting on Zimbabwe’s economic issues.
However, on Saturday, 11 January 2026, Mugano announced that he had “moved on” and would now work with the government.
He wrote on X:
“The bible teaches us that Daniel served under at least 5 Kings, including King Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Belshazzar, Merodach and Cyrus.
“The bible in Daniel 1: 17 tells that God gave Daniel wisdom, knowledge, understanding of the things of the world (literature) and the grace to interpret dreams.
“Daniel used his gift to serve these governments more effectively and positively.
“Likewise, Joseph worked under the Government of Potiphar. We all know that Joseph was led by God to serve his Government in a positive way.
“He foresaw 7 years of good harvest and 7 years of devastating droughts and guided the leadership of Potiphar to adequately prepare for the devastating droughts.
“In the process, he was used by God to save many lives beyond Egypt.
“I am not in any way near Daniel and Joseph from a spiritual perspective, but my actions are inspired and modelled around how these great men of God worked with their respective governments.
“Forget about what I said during my Saul moment. I had my Damascus moment – a point of reflection and soul searching.
“I am new. I am now Paul. I will never revert back to the old Saul!
“I have moved on. It’s done. Ndizvo zviripo.”
Mugano said he made the public announcement after facing repeated questions in recent weeks about his comments praising what he believes is economic progress made by the Zimbabwean government.
He said he wanted to clarify his position.
In his statement, Mugano spoke positively about what he described as major achievements by the government.
He said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has performed well in managing monetary policy and promoting price stability.
He added that a mining boom is underway, with gold production reaching a record 46.7 tonnes, while lithium and other base metals have emerged as key export earners.
Mugano said visible development is taking place across the country, including large-scale housing projects, new shopping malls and ongoing road rehabilitation, which he described as a hallmark of the Second Republic.
He also said an agricultural revival is happening steadily, with strong growth in dairy production, cereals and tobacco, and that the positive growth trend is expected to continue.
According to Mugano, foreign currency inflows are at unprecedented levels and are expected to keep rising.
He further claimed that Zimbabwe is now Africa’s leading steel producer, following a US$1 billion investment by Dinson Iron and Steel Company.
Added Mugano:
“Of course, from the economic front, fiscal pressures and debt levels are worrying.
“On the social front, social ills remain (joblessness, high drug abuse, high poverty levels and health indicators are not looking good).
“Like Daniel and Joseph, underpinned by honesty, objectivity, ethical and professional conduct, my focus now is to work with the Government of Zimbabwe – the Government of the day.
“My focus is to provide uninterrupted evidence – based policy advice & strategies aimed at dealing with fiscal pressures, supporting macroeconomic stability and economic growth, and pushing the agenda towards shared and inclusive growth.”
