Online Reporter
Business Reporter
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s Intratrek Holdings, in partnership with China’s CHiNT Electric, has secured a R3 billion deal to build a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini.
The deal follows his recent grant of Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport from King Mswati III in recognition of his philanthropic work across Africa and his interest in supporting the kingdom’s development aspirations.
Through his Mauritius-registered Intratrek Holdings, Mr Chivayo will invest R3 billion (US$182 million) into building the solar farm as an Independent Power Producer (IPP) on a 120-hectare plot allocated by King Mswati III.
The solar farm will go a long way in boosting power supply in Eswatini and represents one of the largest renewable energy projects in the mountainous kingdom.
Mr Chivayo met King Mswati III twice last month alone.
The first time was on June 18, 2026, at the Royal Palace in Ezulwini, Eswatini, where they discussed various infrastructure and investment issues.
The two met for the second time over lunch in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 28, 2026.
The Eswatini Government has since confirmed the R3 billion solar plant deal in a statement.
“HM King Mswati III has hosted prominent Zimbabwean businessman, investor, billionaire philanthropist, and renewable energy developer Mr Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo, where discussions centred on investment, infrastructure development and renewable energy opportunities within the kingdom.
As a demonstration of his commitment to supporting the kingdom’s developmental agenda, Mr Chivayo undertook, through his company Intratrek Holdings, headquartered in Mauritius, to invest R3 billion towards the development of a 300MW solar project in Eswatini as an IPP.
The project will be developed on 120 hectares of land made available by King Mswati III and is expected to contribute significantly towards enhancing the kingdom’s energy security and supporting long-term industrial and economic growth.
Eswatini faces a critical power shortage because its domestic capacity is just about 76.5 MW, falling well short of its approximately 233 MW peak demand.
To survive, the kingdom imports roughly 80 percent of its electricity from South Africa (Eskom) and Mozambique, making it highly vulnerable to regional grid constraints and price spikes.
During the engagement with King Mswati III, Mr Chivayo expressed his “profound appreciation to King Mswati III for the honour bestowed upon him through the granting of Eswatini citizenship and the presentation of a diplomatic passport”.
Mr Chivayo’s visit to Eswatini was facilitated by Prince Lindani, the son of King Mswati III and his wife, Queen Sibonelo Mngometulu.
The Harare businessman could not be reached for comment as he was said to be in Dubai on a business trip, but he confirmed the multimillion-dollar deal on his official Facebook page.
The prominent businessman expressed his gratitude to Prince Lindani for “his invaluable support in facilitating the meeting with King Mswati III”.
“HMK (His Majesty the King) reaffirmed his confidence that the growing partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the private sector will translate into tangible socioeconomic benefits for us Amaswati.
“I equally reaffirmed my commitment as a proud citizen of the Kingdom and holder of a diplomatic passport . . . to ensure that my promise to invest an average of R3 billion will definitely and gradually be fulfilled.
“Within the coming months, I look forward to inviting His Majesty to officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony of our solar project, which will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership and private capital work together,” Mr Chivayo said.
CHiNT Electric Vice General Manager in Charge of EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Africa, Mr Bill Han, confirmed the deal, saying that over many years, CHiNT Electric has remained committed to supporting the Government of the People’s Republic of China’s policy of promoting high-quality international cooperation in infrastructure and sustainable development, particularly across the African continent.
He said the Eswatini project was part of the company’s long-term vision to work with credible African development partners in delivering utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure that contributes to energy security and environmental sustainability.
“In that regard, I am pleased to confirm that CHiNT Electric has indeed partnered with Intratrek Holdings Mauritius as the technical EPC partner in relation to the 300MW solar IPP project in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“Our arrangement entails Intratrek Holdings Mauritius being the 100 percent financier of the project, while CHiNT Electric will be the technical partner responsible for all the EPC works, relying on our extensive network, technical capability and engineering experience.
“We regard the Kingdom of Eswatini as an attractive renewable energy market. The country continues to pursue energy diversification and increased private sector participation in electricity generation, while the regulatory framework and indicative tariff structure presently under consideration is bankable and good for long-term investment.
“We believe the project has the potential to strengthen domestic electricity supply and contribute towards regional energy security through participation within the Southern African Power Pool,” Mr Han said in response to questions from this publication.
At present, he noted, the company’s engineering teams were undertaking detailed technical studies, including grid impact assessments, power evacuation studies and interconnection analysis.
“Concurrently, discussions are progressing well regarding the finalisation of the Power Purchase Agreement with the Eswatini Electricity Company. Subject to the conclusion of these discussions, we are optimistic that agreements can be concluded within the coming weeks.
“Thereafter, the parties intend to proceed with the formal groundbreaking ceremony, followed by mobilisation, land preparation and commencement of construction activities.
“The project will be implemented through a phased development approach. The initial phase will focus on the construction of approximately 15MW, which we anticipate can be completed by early next year.
“As CHiNT Electric, we are pleased to support this Project and are grateful to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and all relevant stakeholders for their immense support such as the prompt issuance of all licences required to implement the project,” Mr Han said.
The Eswatini government described Mr Chivayo as a businessman, philanthropist and humanitarian with business interests that span renewable energy, thermal and hydropower generation, infrastructure development, engineering, road construction and related development projects across the African continent.
Eswatini had earlier noted that over the past year alone, Mr Chivayo has committed over US$200 million toward various humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives benefiting communities in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
“His Majesty the King and the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini welcome strategic private-sector investment of this nature, which is expected to contribute toward economic growth, employment creation, infrastructure development and the strengthening of the Kingdom’s bilateral trade,” the statement says.
Mr Chivayo’s investments include Intratrek Zimbabwe, his flagship company that develops energy infrastructure, solar power stations and major government tenders. He is also the founder of IMC Communications, an information and communications technology (ICT) and licensed internet service provider (ISP).
Mr Chivayo also manages IMC Transport and owns a fuel company in South Africa that exports to Lesotho. He has secured large engineering contracts and multi-billion dollar deals across several countries, including Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.
Mr Chivayo’s partner, CHiNT Electric, is a leading global smart energy solutions provider. Founded in 1984, the company operates in over 140 countries. It manages the entire power supply chain: from generation and transmission to distribution and consumption. Under green energy, CHiNT Electric develops solar power, energy storage and smart grid technologies.
The company employs over 50000 workers worldwide and reached a total revenue of US$25 billion in 2025.
