# Emmerson Mnangagwa > President of the Republic of Zimbabwe **Wikidata**: [Q510523](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q510523) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmerson_Mnangagwa) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emmerson-mnangagwa ## Summary Emmerson Mnangagwa is the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, having assumed office on November 24, 2017, following the resignation of Robert Mugabe. Born on September 15, 1942, he is a Zimbabwean politician who serves as both head of state and head of government in the southern African nation. ## Biography - Born: September 15, 1942 - Nationality: Zimbabwean (also holds citizenship in United Kingdom, Southern Rhodesia, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and Rhodesia) - Education: University of London, University of Zambia, Egyptian Military College - Known for: Serving as President of Zimbabwe since 2017 - Occupation: Politician, Minister - Employer(s): Office of the President of Zimbabwe - Field(s): Politics, Government ## Contributions Emmerson Mnangagwa has led Zimbabwe as President since November 24, 2017, following the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule. He has overseen the country's continued use of the US dollar as its primary currency, adopted in 2016 following the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar due to hyperinflation. His presidency has occurred during a period when Zimbabwe maintained its status as a republic with a presidential system, operating under the 2013 Constitution with a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and House of Assembly. ## FAQs ### What is Emmerson Mnangagwa's primary role? Emmerson Mnangagwa serves as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, functioning as both head of state and head of government since November 24, 2017. ### Where did Emmerson Mnangagwa receive his education? He was educated at the University of London (established 1836 in the United Kingdom), the University of Zambia (established in 1965 in Lusaka), and the Egyptian Military College (established in 1811). ### When did Emmerson Mnangagwa become president? Mnangagwa became President of Zimbabwe on November 24, 2017, following the resignation of long-time leader Robert Mugabe after a military intervention. ### What is Emmerson Mnangagwa's nationality? He holds citizenship in Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Southern Rhodesia, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and Rhodesia, reflecting the complex political transitions in the region. ### Has Emmerson Mnangagwa received any notable recognition? Yes, he has received awards including recognition from Time 100, Time Magazine's annual listing of 100 influential people. ## Why He Matters Emmerson Mnangagwa matters as the leader of Zimbabwe during a critical period following the end of Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule. His ascension to the presidency marked the end of one of Africa's longest-serving leaders and represented a potential turning point for a country that had experienced significant economic challenges and political isolation. As president, he leads a nation with 16 official languages and a population of over 15 million people, navigating complex issues including economic recovery, international relations, and democratic governance. His presidency occurs in the context of Zimbabwe's strategic position in southern Africa and its historical significance as a country that achieved independence after a prolonged liberation struggle. ## Notable For • Becoming President of Zimbabwe on November 24, 2017, ending Robert Mugabe's 37-year rule • Leading a country with 16 official languages, one of the most multilingual official language policies in the world • Being featured in Time 100, Time Magazine's annual listing of 100 influential people • Having citizenship in multiple entities reflecting the political transitions in southern Africa (Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Southern Rhodesia, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and Rhodesia) • Attending three distinct educational institutions across different countries (University of London, University of Zambia, Egyptian Military College) • Serving as both head of state and head of government in Zimbabwe's presidential system ## Body ### Early Life and Personal Details Emmerson Mnangagwa was born on September 15, 1942, making him part of the generation that witnessed Zimbabwe's transition from colonial rule to independence. His birth occurred during the period when the territory was known as Southern Rhodesia, before the country went through various names including Rhodesia and Zimbabwe Rhodesia before finally becoming Zimbabwe in 1980. ### Educational Background Mnangagwa pursued higher education at three distinct institutions across different countries. He attended the University of London, a federal research university established in 1836 in England, which operates as a collegiate university composed of 17 constituent colleges with its administrative center at Senate House in Bloomsbury. He also studied at the University of Zambia, a public university established in 1965 in Lusaka, Zambia. Additionally, he attended the Egyptian Military College, a military academy established in 1811 in Egypt, suggesting a background that included military training alongside academic pursuits. ### Political Career and Rise to Presidency Mnangagwa's political career culminated in his becoming President of Zimbabwe on November 24, 2017. His ascension marked the end of Robert Mugabe's tenure, which had lasted from 1980 to 2017. Mugabe had served as Prime Minister from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017. Mnangagwa's rise to power came through a military intervention that led to Mugabe's resignation, representing a significant moment in Zimbabwean political history. ### Presidential Leadership Since assuming the presidency, Mnangagwa has led Zimbabwe through continued economic challenges that began with hyperinflation reaching an estimated 500 billion percent in 2008. The country abandoned the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009 and adopted the US dollar as its primary currency in 2016. Under his leadership, Zimbabwe continues to operate as a republic with a presidential system, where the President serves as both head of state and head of government. The legislative body remains the Parliament of Zimbabwe, consisting of the Senate and House of Assembly. ### Citizenship and Identity Mnangagwa's citizenship reflects the complex political history of southern Africa. He holds citizenship not only in Zimbabwe but also in the United Kingdom, Southern Rhodesia, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and Rhodesia. This multiplicity of citizenships corresponds to the various political entities that have existed in the region over the decades, from the colonial period through independence and various transitional governments. ### Recognition and Awards Mnangagwa has received recognition including being featured in Time 100, Time Magazine's annual listing of 100 influential people. This recognition highlights his position as a significant figure in international affairs, particularly given Zimbabwe's strategic position in southern Africa and its complex political and economic situation. ### Contemporary Zimbabwe Under His Leadership During Mnangagwa's presidency, Zimbabwe continues to face significant challenges including economic instability, high unemployment, and income inequality as measured by a Gini coefficient of 50.3 in 2019. The country maintains its position as a member of key international organizations including the United Nations (joined August 25, 1980), African Union, World Trade Organization, and Southern African Development Community. Zimbabwe's population of over 15 million people continues to navigate life in a country with one of the world's most multilingual official language policies, recognizing 16 official languages. ## References 1. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa 2. [Source](https://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217559/emmerson-mnangagwa/) 3. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/16/world/africa/emmerson-mnangagwa-zimbabwe.html) 4. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 5. Munzinger Personen 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. Davos 2018 Participant List 8. Davos 2019 Participant List 9. List of Public Figures - World Economic Forum – Annual Meeting 2023 10. BBC Things 11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line