Chivayo holds US$9 billion contracts across Africa

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has claimed that he holds contracts worth more than US$9 billion across Africa, saying partnerships with European and Chinese companies have helped underpin his expanding business empire and lavish lifestyle.

The Intratrek Zimbabwe boss made the claims during a recent appearance on local podcast TheDennyJ Show, amid growing public scrutiny of his close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his increasingly prominent philanthropic activities.

"I have got contracts from across Africa worth well over US$9 billion, mainly in infrastructural development, and I am in partnership with some European conglomerates and from China," Chivayo said.

He said he had established relationships with political and business leaders across the continent but was now seeking to expand his presence in Western markets, particularly the United States.

"In all the important African countries that I would want to do business, I am well in touch with the leadership and key people, but now want to expand my western footprint, particularly in America," he said.

Chivayo's business interests have reportedly extended beyond Zimbabwe into several African markets, including Kenya, Eswatini, Tanzania, South Africa and Uganda.

His portfolio has also been linked to the reported US$2.9 billion Jomo Kenyatta International Airport expansion tender in Kenya, although the scale and status of the various contracts he cited could not be independently established from his comments.

Chivayo said business connections were important but stressed that relationships alone were not sufficient to secure successful projects.

"Connections are very important in any business, but competency is also required because if you get a contract you gotta deliver on it," he said.

The businessman has in recent years become increasingly visible in Zimbabwe's political and social landscape, particularly through high-profile donations and engagements with senior political figures.

President Mnangagwa has publicly praised Chivayo's philanthropic activities, while the businessman has been described by some observers as having taken on an increasingly influential role in political and regional affairs.

Chivayo has also attracted attention for his high-value gifts and vehicle giveaways to individuals and organisations, with his public profile drawing comparisons to prominent international philanthropists and celebrities.

He claims to have donated nearly US$200 million to various causes and has cited recognition from Fortune Africa Magazine for his philanthropic activities.

His reported personal acquisitions include a Gulfstream G550, a Bombardier Challenger 300 and luxury properties in Johannesburg's Sandhurst and Cape Town's Clifton.

Chivayo has also cultivated relationships with political leaders across the continent, including President Mnangagwa, Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Meanwhile, Chivayo said he was prepared to personally fund the long-delayed Gwanda solar project following a court decision that reinstated the project tender.

"I will put in my personal money not only to clear my name, but ensure the project goes ahead for my children's legacy and name," he said.

Chivayo's latest claims are likely to fuel further public interest in the scale of his business operations, the contracts he says he holds across Africa and the sources of funding behind his increasingly high-profile lifestyle and philanthropic activities.