Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has once again found himself in the regional spotlight, this time following a high-profile visit to Tanzania, where he announced ambitious investment plans after meeting President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House.
During the courtesy visit, Chivayo revealed that his company, Intratrek Holdings Group, intends to expand its footprint across East Africa, beginning with 25.8 trillion investments in Tanzania's tourism, hospitality and renewable energy sectors.
"I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Her Excellency for the immense investment opportunities that Intratrek Holdings Group intends to pursue. Among these is the imminent development of a US$200 million world-class hospitality investment in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, which will bring new levels of luxury tourism," Chivayo said.
He also praised Tanzania's rapid development under President Suluhu, citing the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway, rural electrification programmes and improved access to clean water as indicators of the country's economic progress and investor-friendly environment.
The Tanzanian visit comes just days after Chivayo was granted Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport following a meeting with King Mswati III at the Royal Palace on June 19.
Describing the honour as a significant milestone, Chivayo pledged to support infrastructure development projects in the kingdom.
The latest diplomatic engagements further elevate Chivayo's regional profile at a time when he continues to attract attention beyond Zimbabwe. In Kenya, his reported links to
President William Ruto and alleged involvement in government-related dealings have sparked public debate and political scrutiny.
Chivayo remains one of Zimbabwe's most polarising businessmen, best known for securing lucrative government tenders and for his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF party. His expanding presence across Southern and Eastern Africa continues to draw both admiration and controversy.