List of Presidents of Zimbabwe: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Zimbabwe from 1980 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Zimbabwe, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Zimbabwe: Emmerson Mnangagwa (in office since 2017).

Presidents of Zimbabwe in order, with years in office

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.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Zimbabwe

Who is the current president of Zimbabwe?

The current president of Zimbabwe is Emmerson Mnangagwa, in office since 2017.

Who were the previous presidents of Zimbabwe?

The presidents and heads of state of Zimbabwe listed on this page, in order, are: Canaan Banana, Robert Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Who was the first president of Zimbabwe?

Canaan Banana was the first president of Zimbabwe, in office 1980–1987.

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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