Olivia Nyembezi Muchena (born 18 August 1946)[1] is a Zimbabwean politician and the former Minister of Higher Education in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe.

[2] Muchena studied at Iowa State University and graduated with a PhD in agriculture and minors in social change and technology.

[5] Muchena had served in various positions in the Zimbabwe government including in the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Agriculture.

[10] Muchena has received multiple awards including a scholarship from the Africa-America Institute and a fellowship from Kellogg International.

[5] Morgan Tsvangirai (Prime Minister) Arthur Mutambara / Thokozani Khuphe (Deputy Prime Ministers) Tendai Biti (Finance) Elphas Mukonoweshuro ( Public Service) Henry Dzinotyiwei (Science and Technology Development) Elton Mangoma (Economic Planning and Investment Promotion) Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (Regional Integration and International Cooperation) Giles Mutsekwa / Kembo Mohadi (Home Affairs) Henry Madzorera (Health and Child Welfare) David Coltart (Education, Sport and Culture) Eric Matinenga (Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs) Olivia Muchena (Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Emmerson Mnangagwa (Defence) Saviour Kasukuwere (Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment) Ignatius Chombo (Local Government and Urban Development) Patrick Chinamasa (Justice ) Joseph Made (Agriculture) Herbert Murerwa (Lands and Land Resettlement) Francis Nhema (Environment) Walter Mzembi (Tourism) Nicholas Goche (Transport) Obert Mpofu (Mines and Mining Development) Samuel Sipepa Nkomo (State Enterprise and Parastatals) Nelson Chamisa (Information and Communications Technology) Welshman Ncube (Industry and Commerce) Theresa Makoni (Public Works) Fidelis Mhashu (National Housing and Social Amenities) Elias Mudzuri (Energy and Power Development) Joel Gabuza (Water Resources and Development Paurine Mpariwa (Labour and Social Welfare Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (Foreign Affairs) Webster Shamu (Information and Publicity) Stan Mudenge (Higher and Tertiary Education)