Wicknell Chivayo, known as “Sir Wicknell,” is one of Zimbabwe’s most talked-about businessmen, flashy, generous, controversial, and always in the news. He’s the founder and CEO of Intratrek Zimbabwe, an energy company handling solar power projects, hydro projects, and massive government tenders. But his story goes beyond money: it’s about a man who went from prison to rubbing shoulders with African presidents, from a teenage bus clerk to a self-declared centi-millionaire.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Wicknell Chivayo |
| Date of Birth | November 22, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Harare, Zimbabwe; raised in Chivhu, Gandami area |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean |
| Province of Origin | Mashonaland East Province (Chivhu) |
| Partner | Lucy “Lulu” Muteke (married March 2025); former: Sonja Madzikanda (divorced 2024) |
| Children | 2: John Chenjera-Chivayo (2018), Atarah Minana-Chivayo (2019) |
| Occupations | Founder, Managing Director & CEO of Intratrek Zimbabwe; Businessman; Energy sector entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Claims over US$100 million; external estimate US$5.13 million |
Early Life and Education
Chivayo was born November 22, 1982, in Harare, Zimbabwe, and grew up in Chivhu’s Gandami area in Mashonaland East Province. His father died in a car accident before he was old enough to know him; his mother raised him alone.
He attended Dudley Hall Primary and Churchill Boys High School, where he was academically gifted. But money was tight. In 1996, at just 15 years old, he dropped out of school during his second year of secondary education.
That same year, he started as a wages clerk at a local bus company. By 1997, he was illegally exchanging money at Harare’s Union Avenue flea market. Then came prison: in 2004, he was sentenced to three years at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for deceiving a South African national in a foreign exchange deal. He served from 2004 to 2006.
Career
After prison, Chivayo turned his life around and founded Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, specializing in solar and hydro power projects, construction, maintenance, and electrical product supply.
His most famous deal is the Gwanda Solar Power Project, a US$172.8 million tender from 2015 for a 100MW plant. Ten years later, the site remains barely developed despite a US$5 million advance payment. The Supreme Court reinstated the contract in 2023 after ZPC tried to cancel it in 2018.
In March 2025, he signed a massive US$2.5 billion partnership with China’s Chint Group for energy infrastructure across Kenya and Tanzania, including 13 power transmission lines. He also won a US$22 million damages award from the Sted Gua Solar Power Project dispute in 2018.
In 2014, he sold 50% of his shares to raise funds and built businesses across South African states. Today, Intratrek holds multi-billion dollar contracts for power grids across Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Personal Life
Chivayo’s personal life has been dramatic. He married Sonja Madzikanda, an accountant, in 2017 after paying US$50,000 in lobola. They had two children: John Chenjera-Chivayo (2018) and Atarah Minana-Chivayo (2019). The marriage ended in 2024. In April 2026, the High Court ordered him to pay US$5 million in child maintenance, with an ongoing asset dispute.
In March 2025, he married Lucy “Lulu” Muteke. The wedding had over 15,000 guests, with Jah Prayzah and Killer T performing. They honeymooned at Masai Mara, Kenya. As of 2026, they have no children together.
His gifting is legendary: US$150,000 to comedian Comic Elder (October 2025), nearly US$1 million total to musician Jah Prayzah (including a Range Rover), a Toyota Land Cruiser plus US$100,000 to broadcaster Reuben Barwe (May 2025), and luxury cars to several other artists.
Philanthropy
Despite controversies, Chivayo is genuinely known as a philanthropist. In November 2024, he donated 10 buses and US$1 million cash to the Johane Masowe Chishanu church, plus a pledge for another US$1 million. He also gave US$250,000 to the Zimbabwe Warriors football team after their AFCON triumph.
Legacy TV awarded him the Compassionate Champion Award for his philanthropic work across Zimbabwe.
Net Worth
Chivayo claimed over US$100 million in a 2024 StarFM interview, calling himself a centi-millionaire. He says his wealth comes from energy contracts, especially Gwanda Solar. He owns a US$7 million Harare mansion (formerly police boss Chihuri’s), multiple luxury vehicles, and regional businesses.
Controversies
Controversy follows Chivayo:
- 2004–2006: Prison for fraud
- 2017–2019: Accused of fraud/corruption over Gwanda Solar for failing to deliver despite payments
- September 2019: Stanley Kazhanje jailed for receiving US$10,000 from Intratrek
- 2023: ZIMRA uncovered irregular tax payments at IMC Plant Hire
- 2024: Ren-Form (election printing firm linked to him) investigated for overcharging ballot papers (over US$30 million)
- 2024–2026: US$5 million child maintenance battle with ex-wife
- 2024–2025: Opposition party accused government of lethargy dealing with “corrupt” Chivayo; money laundering questions from audio recordings
- 2024–2025: Close ally of President Mnangagwa, advocating he stay beyond term limits
Awards and Recognition
- 2015: Star FM Businessman of the Year
- 2024–2025: Compassionate Champion Award, Legacy TV
- 2025: Businessman of the Year (Southern Region) – Super Platinum Winner, TB Rice Awards
