Chivayo Backs Kenya, Tanzania with Big-Dollar Investments

Businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo has stepped up his regional engagement efforts, holding high-level meetings with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during recent visits to Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

The engagements, described as part of a broader strategy to expand his footprint across East Africa, saw Chivayo applauding the pace of development in both nations while signalling a major financial commitment to the region.

Speaking after the meetings, Chivayo expressed admiration for Kenya’s ongoing rural transformation programmes.

“I am impressed by the scale and impact of Kenya’s rural electrification and water supply initiatives. These are not just development projects, but life-changing interventions that are uplifting communities and driving inclusive growth,” Chivayo said.

He added that such initiatives present viable opportunities for private sector collaboration.

“There is a clear alignment between government priorities and investment opportunities, which creates an enabling environment for long-term partnerships,” Chivayo noted.

In Tanzania, the businessman highlighted large-scale infrastructure projects as key drivers of economic growth, particularly the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the expansion of energy networks.

“Tanzania’s strategic focus on infrastructure development, including the SGR and energy expansion, is positioning the country as a regional economic hub,” he said.

Chivayo used the visits to announce an ambitious investment plan targeting both countries.

“We are looking at deploying at least US$100 million into each of these markets within the year, focusing on tourism, infrastructure development, and renewable energy,” he revealed.

He emphasised that the planned investments are not only commercially driven but also aligned with broader African development goals.

“Our vision is to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s growth story by investing in sectors that have a direct impact on economic development and job creation,” he said.

According to Chivayo, East Africa’s economic trajectory continues to inspire confidence among investors, citing policy stability and infrastructure expansion as key attractions.

“The region is demonstrating resilience and forward-thinking leadership, which is critical in attracting sustainable investment,” Chivayo added.

The visits highlight a growing trend of intra-African investment, as business leaders increasingly look beyond their home countries to tap into emerging opportunities across the continent.