Presidents of Zimbabwe

Below are notable presidents of Zimbabwe in chronological order, with the years each served and a brief summary.

Canaan Banana

Served: 1980–1987

Methodist minister and first president, in a largely ceremonial role.

Robert Mugabe

Served: 1987–2017

Prime minister from 1980 and president from 1987; resigned on 21 November 2017 facing impeachment and died in 2019.

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Served: 2017–present

Former vice president who was sworn in on 24 November 2017; won the 2018 and 2023 elections.

Sources: Archontology.org, Zimbabwe: Heads of State; Wikipedia, President of Zimbabwe (checked Nov 2026). Zimbabwe has had three presidents since independence.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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