Obey Chimuka

Obey Chimuka is a Zimbabwean businessman and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the construction and mining sectors. As Group Chief Executive Officer and Director and the acquisition of Lafarge Cement (now Khaya Cement). His business ventures have garnered both praise and criticism, particularly regarding government contracts and international sanctions. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Midlands State University, a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Economics from the University of South Africa, and an Honours degree in Politics and Administration from the University of Zimbabwe. and a major shareholder of the Fossil Group, a conglomerate with interests in agrochemicals, agronomic advisory, contract mining, road construction, earthworks, building, structural works, and plant hire. His leadership has positioned Fossil Contracting as a key player in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development. Notably, Fossil Contracting, under the TEFOMA consortium, was awarded an $88 million contract to construct the Mbudzi Interchange, a major project aimed at improving traffic flow in Harare, expected to be completed by July 2025. The project has been praised for its ambition but criticized for issues such as inadequate signage and connectivity.

Chimuka served as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director at Bindura Nickel Corporation Ltd. from November 2019 to 2022, contributing to its human resources, remuneration, safety, health, environment, quality, and corporate social responsibility committees.

Association with Kudakwashe Tagwirei Chimuka is a longtime business partner of Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, founder of Sakunda Holdings. Their collaboration includes major government contracts, such as the Trabablas Interchange and the Beitbridge-Harare road rehabilitation project. Tagwirei has praised Chimuka’s role in advancing Zimbabwe’s infrastructure but emphasized that Chimuka’s 2022 U.S. sanctions under Executive Orders 13469 and 13818 stem from a perceived connection to himself and allegations of corruption, which he claims unfairly target indigenous Zimbabwean businesses.

Controversies and sanctions

U.S. sanctions In December 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Chimuka, Fossil Agro, and Fossil Contracting under Executive Orders 13469 and 13818 for their ties to Kudakwashe Tagwirei and alleged involvement in corruption. The sanctions cited Chimuka’s role in facilitating corrupt transactions through government contracts, impacting his mining ambitions, particularly in platinum extraction.

Personal life Little is publicly known about Chimuka’s personal life. His familial tie to Jonah Chimuka, a respected figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, underscores his connection to the country’s historical and political landscape. His networth remains undisclosed as of March 2026 Critics, however, highlight his ties to sanctioned individuals and political figures, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in Zimbabwe’s economic system. His role in major projects like the Mbudzi Interchange and the cement industry has solidified his influence, though sanctions and public debates continue to shape his reputation.