Tendai Biti
CDF Convener • Constitutional Lawyer • Former Finance Minister
"The man who helped draft the Constitution now leads its defense."
The Man Who Stabilized Zimbabwe's Economy
Born on 6 August 1966 in Dzivarasekwa, Harare, Tendai Biti attended Goromonzi High School (where he served as Deputy Head Boy) before studying law at the University of Zimbabwe.
His activism began early — as Secretary-General of the UZ Student Representative Council (1988–89), he organized protests against government censorship. He went on to build a career in labour and human rights litigation, representing major trade unions.
Co-Founding the MDC
In 1999, Biti co-founded the Movement for Democratic Change alongside Morgan Tsvangirai, Gibson Sibanda, Welshman Ncube, and Nelson Chamisa. He served as Secretary-General and lead strategist, becoming one of Zimbabwe's most prominent opposition voices.
Finance Minister: Ending Hyperinflation
As Finance Minister in the Government of National Unity (2009–2013), Biti spearheaded the dollarization of Zimbabwe's economy, ending hyperinflation that had exceeded 500 billion percent. He restored fiscal discipline, restarted economic growth, and was named Africa's Finance Minister of the Year by Euromoney magazine.
Drafting the Constitution
Biti was a lead negotiator and draftsman of the Kariba Draft Constitution that became the basis for Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution — the very document he now defends against CAB3. He is co-author of Democracy Works: Rewiring Politics to Africa's Advantage (with Obasanjo, Mills, and Herbst).
A History of Persecution
Biti's commitment to democracy has come at a personal cost:
Arrested after a prayer rally in Highfield
Arrested at Harare airport on treason charges for announcing election results
Arrested post-election; denied asylum in Zambia
Arrested for trying to reclaim MDC-Alliance offices; spent the night in prison
Arrested in Mutare on 21 March while mobilizing for CDF. Released on $500 bail with restrictive conditions including passport surrender and prohibition on convening meetings. His driver was assaulted by men in unmarked vehicles.
International Standing
Biti's credentials extend globally — he is associated with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the Brenthurst Foundation, and has been profiled by CNN and international media. His arrest in March 2026 drew immediate condemnation from South Africa's DA, Uganda's Bobi Wine, and international human rights organizations.
"Defending the Constitution is not a crime."