HARARE – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial businessman ally Wicknell Chivayo, 42, has recently concluded a series of high-level meetings with four African heads of state, signaling a potential expansion of his regional business deals.
Chivayo, who said he is “proud to associate myself with levers of power, who make things happen”, stated that his travels across the continent are driven by both strategic business interests and personal spiritual conviction.
Over the past week, Chivayo held discussions with Presidents Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Daniel Chapo of Mozambique.
All these African leaders are aligned to Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF and Mnangagwa’s government.
In detailed accounts shared by Chivayo, he expressed profound appreciation for the hospitality and engaging dialogues during these visits.
Meeting with President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique
Chivayo described his courtesy visit with President Chapo as a “profound pleasure,” highlighting the Mozambican leader’s “youthful energy, strategic composure, and deep political maturity.”
He noted the “five-star treatment” received at the Palácio da Ponta Vermelha. Discussions reportedly encompassed a wide range of opportunities, including energy cooperation, cross-border infrastructure development, and regional trade.
“Our brief discussions with His Excellency covered a wide range of OPPORTUNITIES, from energy cooperation and cross-border INFRASTRUCTURE development, to industrial and Regional TRADE,” Chivayo stated.
“What impressed me the most was his LUCID articulation of ideas and clear COMMAND of statecraft. His Excellency speaks not to impress, but to build consensus. It is no surprise that FRELIMO secured a RESOUNDING mandate last year, under his visionary leadership.
“That victory reflects the people’s endorsement of PEACE, growth and ECONOMIC stability. President Chapo is indeed following in the footsteps of Mozambique’s founding father, Samora Moisés Machel, and is breathing new life into that legacy.
“Today, Mozambique stands as a LAND OF PROMISE, endowed with immense gas reserves, rich arable land and a DYNAMIC coastline that makes it a gateway for CONTINENTAL trade. Mozambique is now a Country with a sense of RENEWED HOPE and leadership that reassures both investors and citizens alike.”
Meeting with President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi
Chivayo characterised his meeting with President Chakwera at the State House in Blantyre as a “profoundly honored” experience. He described President Chakwera as a leader of “calm conviction and razor-sharp thought,” commending his eloquence, depth in listening, and “prayerful heart.”
Chivayo credited President Chakwera’s leadership with “unprecedented economic growth” in Malawi, citing projects such as the 60 MW Salima (Kanzimbe) Solar Plant, over 100 infrastructure projects, the new International Blantyre Cancer Centre, and the rehabilitation of the M1 corridor.
*Meetings with President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President William Ruto of Kenya.
Chivayo also undertook courtesy visits to Samia Suluhu Hassan in Zanzibar and William Ruto in Nairobi.
Describing these encounters as “memorable and deeply humbling,” Chivayo highlighted Samia’s leadership in elevating Tanzania through “commissioning various huge Hydropower Projects and intensifying rural electrification.”
He noted her focus on inclusive development and women’s empowerment.
“Mama Samia’s visionary leadership has elevated Tanzania to new heights by COMMISSIONING various huge Hydropower Projects and INTENSIFYING rural electrification.
“She is a PHENOMENAL leader whose focus on inclusive development and women EMPOWERMENT is spectacular. Our meeting at her home in Zanzibar was nothing short of INSPIRATIONAL.”
In Kenya, Chivayo lauded President Ruto as a “pragmatic, bold, prayerful, and reform-driven leader” who has propelled Kenya into the top five fastest-growing economies in Africa.
Chivayo stated his readiness to contribute capital, ideas, and long-term investment partnerships to Tanzania’s Vision 2025 and Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Agenda.
While the primary focus of Chivayo’s statements revolves around business opportunities and expressions of admiration for the respective leaders, he also included observations on the political landscapes of Malawi and Tanzania.
He expressed confidence in the Malawi Congress Party securing a “decisive and inevitable landslide victory” in Malawi’s September 2025 general elections, linking it to the leadership’s delivery on electoral promises.
Similarly, for Tanzania’s October 2025 general elections, Chivayo stated his belief that Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) “remains the people’s party of choice,” drawing parallels to Zanu-PF’s role in Zimbabwe’s independence.
He stated his preference for associating with incumbent governments rather than opposition entities for business ventures.
Back home, Chivayo is labelled a corrupt businessman who is making money through shadowy contract dealings with the government. In recent years, he allegedly benefitted millions from tenders to supply election materials.
