HHIRA Champions Indigenous Economic Empowerment Through Lawful Participation
By Admire Chitsungo
The Hupfumi Hwedu Indigenous Resources Association (HHIRA) has positioned itself as a disciplined, law-abiding organisation committed to advancing indigenous economic empowerment by promoting greater participation of Zimbabweans in strategic sectors of the national economy.
Founded in 2026, HHIRA derives its name from the Shona phrase Hupfumi Hwedu, meaning Our Shared Wealth, reflecting the belief that Zimbabwe’s natural and economic resources should benefit all indigenous Zimbabweans through lawful and organised participation.
The association’s vision is to build an economically empowered indigenous community that owns, controls and benefits from the country’s strategic resources and reserved sectors. Its mission focuses on advocating for policy reforms, influencing legislation and creating commercial opportunities for indigenous Zimbabweans in sectors reserved under empowerment laws.
HHIRA says its operations are guided by the principles of Hunhu/Ubuntu, patriotism, integrity, discipline, inclusivity and accountability. The association emphasises compliance with Zimbabwean laws while promoting transparency, responsible stewardship of resources and equal opportunities for women, youths and marginalised communities.
The organisation states that its mandate is anchored in Zimbabwe’s legal framework, including Section 14 of the Constitution, the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025, the Ministry of Mines policy reserving small-to-medium-scale mining for indigenous Zimbabweans, as well as Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
According to HHIRA, the association aligns itself with Zimbabwe’s national empowerment agenda while safeguarding the commercial interests of its members within the provisions of its constitution.
The association traces its roots to earlier indigenous economic empowerment movements, including the Indigenous Business Development Centre (1990), the Affirmative Action Group (1994), the Indigenous Business Women’s Organisation (1994) and the Economic Empowerment Group (2022), describing itself as a successor committed to disciplined advocacy and sustainable economic development.
HHIRA is led by Chairperson Nyasha Munangwa, Secretary General Johannes Mtetwa, Vice Chairperson Gerald Paridzira, Treasurer Onward Kawara, Projects Manager Pasipanodya Nyanzira, Business Development Officer Rumbidzai Ziyambi, Vice Treasurer Tapiwanashe Faith Mwashita, and ICT and Digital Innovation Officer Elisha Bere.
The association says it will continue working with stakeholders to promote inclusive indigenous participation in Zimbabwe’s economy while encouraging entrepreneurship, responsible resource utilisation and sustainable national development.
