In a continent where business, faith, and geopolitics increasingly intersect, few figures embody this convergence as vividly as Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. In an exclusive interview, Chivayo tells Brian Ngugi about the foundations of a business portfolio he says exceeds half a billion dollars, spanning renewable energy, infrastructure, and logistics across at least five African nations. He discusses his ambition to become Zimbabwe’s first “young billionaire”, and his growing footprint in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, that has drawn interest.
Question: Briefly share your background and what you consider the foundation of your business career.
Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman, has built a business empire that spans across various sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and logistics. In an exclusive interview, Chivayo reveals the foundations of his business career, which he attributes to his father, William Ruto. Chivayo takes Ruto as a father figure and credits him for instilling in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. Chivayo's business portfolio exceeds half a billion dollars, and he has ambitions to become Zimbabwe’s first “young billionaire”.
But here's where it gets controversial... Chivayo's business practices and his relationship with William Ruto have been a subject of debate and scrutiny. Some have questioned the ethics of Chivayo's business dealings, while others have praised his entrepreneurial spirit and success. And this is the part most people miss... Chivayo's success and influence in Africa have drawn interest and admiration, but his journey has also been marked by challenges and controversies. Despite the challenges, Chivayo remains focused on his goals and continues to expand his business footprint in East Africa, particularly in Kenya.
Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access
- Unlimited access to all premium content
- Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
- Mobile-optimized reading experience
- Weekly Newsletters
- MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in (https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sso/?content=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)
