BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE– Businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo has added another prestigious continental honour to his growing list of achievements after being recognised among Africa’s 100 Most Notable Peace Icons, a development that also shines a spotlight on Eswatini following his recent appointment as one of the Kingdom’s diplomatic envoys.
The Zimbabwean billionaire, who recently received an Eswatini diplomatic passport from His Majesty King Mswati III, was honoured during the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit held in Marrakech, Morocco, on June 27, 2026.
At the high-profile gathering, Sir Wicknell received the Africa Inspiring Change Maker Award, recognising his contribution to humanitarian work, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment across Africa.
The award places him among a select group of influential Africans whose work continues to shape the continent through business, peacebuilding and social transformation.
For Eswatini, the recognition carries added significance.
Only weeks ago, His Majesty King Mswati III granted Sir Wicknell Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport in recognition of his growing partnership with the Kingdom and his commitment to investing in the country’s development.
The businessman, through his company Intratrek Holdings, has already announced plans to invest billions of Emalangeni into Eswatini’s energy sector, including a proposed large-scale solar power project expected to strengthen the country’s electricity supply while creating employment opportunities for emaSwati.
His latest continental recognition therefore comes at a time when his relationship with Eswatini continues to deepen.
Speaking through the summit organisers, Sir Wicknell was praised as a leader whose influence extends well beyond boardrooms.
Organisers described him as a visionary entrepreneur whose humanitarian work has transformed countless lives by supporting vulnerable families, empowering women entrepreneurs and opening opportunities for young people across Africa.
The summit brought together influential entrepreneurs, diplomats, policymakers, academics, innovators and business executives from across the continent to discuss Africa’s future.
Among the key issues discussed were sustainable economic development, peacebuilding, ethical leadership, youth empowerment and strengthening partnerships capable of accelerating Africa’s development agenda.
Summit organisers said Sir Wicknell stood out because of his ability to combine business success with community development.
Rather than focusing solely on commercial growth, they said he has consistently used his success to uplift communities and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The organising committee, led by Ambassador Dr Kingsley Amafibe, said Sir Wicknell’s growing continental influence made him a deserving recipient of the award.
In the official nomination, Dr Amafibe said the recognition celebrated not only Sir Wicknell’s business achievements but also the opportunities and hope his leadership continues to create for many Africans.
“It is in recognition of your growing impact, visionary leadership and contribution to Africa’s evolving business landscape that you have been selected for this distinguished continental recognition,” the nomination stated.
The organisers further noted that Sir Wicknell’s presence at the summit inspired delegates from across Africa and the diaspora, particularly young entrepreneurs and women leaders looking for examples of transformative leadership.
They said his success story demonstrated that African businesses could become powerful vehicles for economic inclusion and social change.
The recognition also acknowledged Sir Wicknell’s role in advancing values consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063, both of which promote inclusive growth, poverty reduction, innovation and sustainable development across the continent.
His work has also been associated with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development agenda, which seeks to expand economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of citizens through inclusive economic growth.
For many observers, the award represents more than personal recognition.
It reflects a growing appreciation of African entrepreneurs who are increasingly using their influence to drive development beyond national borders.
Sir Wicknell’s philanthropic activities have attracted widespread attention over recent years, particularly his support for education, churches, health initiatives, community development projects and assistance to disadvantaged families.
His generosity has also benefited numerous individuals through business support, housing assistance and educational opportunities.
His recognition comes as Africa continues to celebrate business leaders who combine entrepreneurship with social responsibility, proving that commercial success and community empowerment can go hand in hand.
In Eswatini, where his investment commitments have already generated significant public interest, the latest honour is likely to further strengthen confidence in his growing partnership with the Kingdom.
Government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of attracting strategic investors capable of creating jobs, transferring skills and supporting national development priorities.
As a diplomatic envoy and investor, Sir Wicknell is expected to play an increasingly important role in promoting investment opportunities, strengthening international partnerships and showcasing Eswatini as an attractive destination for business.
The Marrakech summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among African governments, businesses and development partners to unlock the continent’s enormous economic potential.
Organisers said recognising influential leaders such as Sir Wicknell helps inspire a new generation of Africans committed to ethical leadership, innovation and sustainable development.
As Africa looks towards a future driven by investment, entrepreneurship and regional cooperation, Sir Wicknell’s latest continental honour stands as recognition of a businessman whose influence now stretches beyond Zimbabwe to countries including Eswatini, Kenya and Tanzania.
For Eswatini, where his partnership with the Kingdom continues to grow, the recognition further elevates the country’s association with one of Africa’s most talked-about entrepreneurs and philanthropists, reinforcing hopes that strategic investment and regional cooperation can contribute meaningfully to national economic transformation.
(Courtesy Pic)
