Professor Gift Mugano Denies Joining RBZ

Prominent economist Professor Gift Mugano has denied reports that he has joined, or plans to work with, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) or any part of the government under the ZANU-PF administration.

The clarification comes after a podcast suggested that he had accepted a role with the RBZ. Professor Mugano took to social media to say the report was completely false. He wrote:

“I am not working with the RBZ and have no intention with whatsoever to work with the RBZ nor any arm of government under the ZANUPF_Official.”

Professor Mugano gave two key reasons for turning down any role in the government, highlighting his commitment to independent analysis and his advocacy for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

First, he said he doubted he would last long in a government role, adding that he would likely be fired within 24 hours for refusing to be manipulated.

Second, he explained that he cannot join a political party that he holds responsible for the country’s ongoing economic crises. Said Professor Mugano:

“(1) I will be fired in less than 24 hours ndaramba kuitiswa. (2) I can’t join a party which has given us all these problems we are facing as Zimbabweans to the extend that we are now a laughing stock across the globe.”

Even though he’s firmly declined any government role, Professor Mugano said he still works with government departments and policymakers.

He made it clear that this is purely to offer free advice and constructive criticism—a role he calls being a “professor for the poor.”

Professor Mugano compared his work to the opposition in Parliament, saying that, just like MPs keep the ruling party in check, his engagement helps provide oversight and informed input on policy. He wrote:

“Yours Truly is engaging them by providing constructive criticism and policy advisory for free with a view to lessening the burden of economic turmoil and cost of policy missteps on the poor.”