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 of Fossil Contracting and Fossil Mines Pvt Ltd., he has significantly influenced Zimbabwe's infrastructure development and resource extraction industries. Chimuka has been involved in major projects, including the Mbudzi Interchange and the acquisition of Lafarge Cement. His business ventures have garnered both praise and criticism, particularly regarding government contracts and international sanctions.
Early life and education
Obey Chimuka was born in Zimbabwe and is a nephew of the late Zimbabwean freedom fighter Jonah Chimuka, known as Madhara Chihombe during the Rhodesian Bush War. 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.Career
Fossil Group and business ventures
Chimuka is the CEO 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.In 2021, Fossil Contracting, led by Chimuka, acquired Lafarge Cement, rebranding it as Khaya Cement, strengthening his influence in Zimbabwe’s cement industry in line with government efforts to reduce cement imports.
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 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.Some Zimbabwean media, such as Mbare Times, have claimed that Chimuka faced "social media injustice" due to the sanctions, arguing they target indigenous businesses to favor foreign companies. Chimuka’s legal team has reportedly considered lawsuits against detractors for defamation and cyberbullying.
Trabablas Interchange criticism
The $88 million Trabablas Interchange project has faced public criticism for failing to meet expectations, including incomplete road markings and inadequate signage, particularly for routes to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Critics have questioned the transparency of the tender process due to Chimuka’s political connections and the lack of public bidding.Alleged clash with vice president's son
Chimuka has been linked to a reported dispute with the son of Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who was employed at Fossil Contracting under controversial circumstances, adding to Chimuka’s public scrutiny.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.Speculations say his net worth is over 5 billion as of August 2025