Chivayo pledges R3 billion solar plant to Eswatini

King Mswati III of Eswatini has granted Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo citizenship and presented him with a diplomatic passport in recognition of his philanthropic work across Africa, the Eswatini government has said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Eswatini government said Chivayo was honoured following discussions with the king on investment, infrastructure development and renewable energy opportunities in the kingdom.

The government described Chivayo as a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, investor, philanthropist and renewable energy developer.

"In recognition of Mr Chivayo's philanthropic contributions in Zimbabwe and across the African continent and commitment to supporting socio-economic development initiatives within the kingdom, His Majesty granted him Eswatini citizenship and presented him with a diplomatic passport," the statement said.

The government also announced that Chivayo, through his Mauritius-headquartered company Intratrek Holdings, had committed to invest R3 billion, about US$182 million, towards a 300-megawatt solar project in Eswatini.

The project will be developed as an independent power producer on 120 hectares of land made available by the king.

According to the statement, the solar project is expected to improve Eswatini's energy security and support long-term industrial and economic growth.

Chivayo's visit was facilitated by Prince Lindani, the government said.

The statement said Chivayo's business interests include renewable energy, thermal and hydro power generation, infrastructure development, engineering and road construction across Africa.

The government also said he had committed more than US$200 million over the past year towards humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives in Zimbabwe and across the continent.

Chivayo had earlier disclosed the citizenship grant and diplomatic passport on his Facebook page after a private audience with King Mswati III at the Royal Palace in Ezulwini on June 18.

He described the meeting as one of the most significant moments of his career and said the king had accepted him as "his young, fellow African son."

Eswatini royal spokesperson Percy Simelane said Chivayo's diplomatic status remained valid despite scrutiny over his past legal troubles in Zimbabwe.

Simelane reportedly said passport issuance was handled at ministerial level and that, in the absence of a court document disqualifying him, Chivayo's status remained unchanged.

Chivayo, through Intratrek Zimbabwe, has won state contracts worth close to US$1 billion in Zimbabwe, mainly in the energy sector.

He is also known as a prominent financier of Zanu PF and an ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

His contracts have attracted sustained public scrutiny, although Chivayo has denied wrongdoing.

The Eswatini citizenship adds to a series of honours and high-level engagements Chivayo has received from African leaders, having previously been hosted by Kenya's William Ruto, Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, Malawi's Peter Mutharika, Mozambique's Daniel Chapo and Nigeria's Bola Tinubu.