Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has built connections with African presidents across the continent. The 42-year-old displays his wealth through private jets and luxury cars on social media. Chivayo maintains relationships with leaders from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. He was born in Harare during November 1982 and began working as a wage clerk in 1997. The entrepreneur later entered foreign exchange trading in Zimbabwe's capital city.
Legal troubles have followed Chivayo throughout his business career. Courts sentenced him to three years in prison during 2004 for fraud against a South African citizen. He served time at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare. Media reports linked him to fake websites that disappeared after receiving client payments. The businessman received a major solar power contract worth 183 million dollars in 2015.
Zimbabwe Power Company awarded Chivayo's firm Intratrek a deal to build solar stations in Gwanda district. The company paid 1.2 million dollars upfront but the project remained incomplete. A former power company chairman went to jail for accepting money from Chivayo's business. President Emmerson Mnangagwa once called Chivayo a briefcase businessman but later described him as a philanthropist. Chivayo denies fraud claims and calls himself a legitimate businessman.
Sports sponsorship represents another major area for Chivayo's activities. He promised 10 million dollars to Zimbabwe Football Association if his candidate won the presidency. The preferred candidate secured victory but records show no evidence of payment. Chivayo frequently announces large sponsorship deals for football clubs across Zimbabwe.
Legal troubles have followed Chivayo throughout his business career. Courts sentenced him to three years in prison during 2004 for fraud against a South African citizen. He served time at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare. Media reports linked him to fake websites that disappeared after receiving client payments. The businessman received a major solar power contract worth 183 million dollars in 2015.
Zimbabwe Power Company awarded Chivayo's firm Intratrek a deal to build solar stations in Gwanda district. The company paid 1.2 million dollars upfront but the project remained incomplete. A former power company chairman went to jail for accepting money from Chivayo's business. President Emmerson Mnangagwa once called Chivayo a briefcase businessman but later described him as a philanthropist. Chivayo denies fraud claims and calls himself a legitimate businessman.
Sports sponsorship represents another major area for Chivayo's activities. He promised 10 million dollars to Zimbabwe Football Association if his candidate won the presidency. The preferred candidate secured victory but records show no evidence of payment. Chivayo frequently announces large sponsorship deals for football clubs across Zimbabwe.
