Olivia Muchena was born on January 1, 1953. She holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and a Master's degree in business administration from the University of Zimbabwe. She also has a PhD in environmental science from the University of Fort Hare.
Muchena has worked as a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe and as a consultant for various international organizations, including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Muchena was appointed Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, and Technology Development in 2013. In this role, she has overseen a number of initiatives to improve the quality of education in Zimbabwe, including the construction of new schools and universities, and the introduction of new curricula.
Muchena is also a member of the ZANU-PF Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the party. She is considered to be a close ally of President Robert Mugabe.
