- Granted Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport by King, the Zimbabwean entrepreneur says he is ready to mobilise capital for infrastructure, renewable energy and industrial development projects in the Kingdom.
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has described his audience with His Majesty King Mswati III as one of the greatest moments of his life after revealing that he was granted Eswatini citizenship and presented with a diplomatic passport following a private meeting with the monarch.
The development has thrust the high-profile businessman into the spotlight across Southern Africa, with the meeting being viewed as a significant vote of confidence in Eswatini’s growing ambition to attract African capital, infrastructure investment and private-sector-led economic development.
In a lengthy statement following the audience at the Lozitha Royal Palace, Chivayo said he was deeply honoured by the reception he received from the King and described the opportunity to engage directly with Africa’s longest-serving monarch as an experience he would treasure forever.
“The highlight of my courtesy visit was His Majesty’s most humbling instruction to his administration, which bestowed upon me the highest honour of being granted Eswatini citizenship, as the King accepted me as his young, fellow African son,” Chivayo said.
He further revealed that he had been presented with a diplomatic passport to facilitate travel and business activities linked to infrastructure development projects in the Kingdom.
A MAJOR SIGNAL TO INVESTORS
The granting of citizenship to one of Southern Africa’s most recognisable businessmen is likely to be interpreted as a strong signal that Eswatini is positioning itself as a preferred destination for regional investment.
The Kingdom has intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment into strategic sectors including energy generation, manufacturing, mining, tourism, logistics and infrastructure development.
During their discussions, Chivayo said the King spoke passionately about industrialisation, youth empowerment, infrastructure expansion and energy security, while emphasizing the need for African countries to build their economies through African solutions and African capital.
According to Chivayo, the discussions focused extensively on unlocking Eswatini’s renewable energy potential and mobilising strategic investment capable of transforming the country’s economic landscape.
The businessman pledged that his companies and technical partners stand ready to participate in bankable projects and assist in mobilising significant capital through financial institutions, pension funds and other investment structures.
FROM CONTROVERSIAL CONTRACTOR TO AFRICAN BUSINESS FIGURE
Chivayo’s rise to prominence has been one of the most talked-about business stories in Zimbabwe. Originally known for his involvement in engineering and construction projects, he later expanded his interests into energy, infrastructure, mining, transport, agriculture and property development.
In recent years, he has gained significant popularity through large-scale charitable donations that have seen him gifting houses, vehicles, farming equipment, business capital and financial assistance to individuals, churches and community organisations.
KING PRAISES PHILANTHROPY
One of the aspects that appears to have impressed Chivayo most was the King’s familiarity with his charitable work.
The businessman revealed that he was surprised by the monarch’s awareness of his philanthropic activities across Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa. Their discussions extended beyond business and investment and touched on the responsibility of young Africans to create opportunities, uplift communities and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
ESWATINI’S GROWING INVESTMENT APPEAL
Chivayo highlighted Eswatini’s strong investment credentials, noting that the Kingdom’s stable environment, favourable credit standing and support from international development partners make it attractive for large-scale projects.
He suggested that Eswatini possesses significant opportunities in renewable energy and infrastructure development, sectors that continue to attract investor interest across the continent.
A NEW CHAPTER
For Eswatini, the development represents more than the granting of citizenship to a foreign businessman. It reflects the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a destination for investment and regional economic cooperation.
For Chivayo, the move marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that formally ties him to the Kingdom and could potentially see him play a larger role in future infrastructure and development initiatives.
As African governments continue searching for innovative ways to stimulate economic growth, the meeting between King Mswati III and Chivayo may ultimately be remembered as the start of a partnership aimed at unlocking new opportunities for investment, industrialisation and job creation in the Kingdom.
