Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo says he has been granted Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport following a meeting with King Mswati III at the royal palace.
By John Mustarhb
In a statement posted on social media, Chivayo described the audience with the monarch as a significant personal milestone.
“Yesterday will forever rank amongst the greatest honours of my life,” Chivayo said.
“To be granted audience by a King is a privilege afforded to very few men.”
According to Chivayo, the meeting focused on philanthropy, economic development, investment opportunities and the role of young Africans in advancing socio-economic transformation across the continent.
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He said he was surprised by King Mswati III’s familiarity with his charitable activities and public engagements.
“What particularly took me by surprise was His Majesty’s keen interest in the philanthropic work that I have undertaken in Zimbabwe and across the African continent,” Chivayo said.
The businessman said the discussions extended beyond business and investment and touched on youth empowerment, community development and Africa’s future.
Chivayo also praised the Eswatini monarch’s leadership style, describing him as a leader capable of balancing tradition and modernisation.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I encountered a distinguished monarch who understands that Africa’s future must be built through African solutions, African capital and African leadership,” he said.
The businessman said King Mswati III outlined Eswatini’s priorities in industrialisation, infrastructure development, energy security and private sector growth. Discussions also explored potential investment opportunities in renewable energy and utility projects.
“As a businessman whose passion lies in infrastructure development and mainly renewable energy, I gave my assurances that through my companies and strategic technical partners, we stand ready to participate and mobilise substantial capital,” Chivayo said.
The most notable outcome of the visit, according to Chivayo, was the King’s decision to grant him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport.
“The highlight of my courtesy visit was His Majesty’s most humbling instruction to his administration, which bestowed upon me the highest honour of being granted Eswatini citizenship,” Chivayo said.
He added that the diplomatic passport would facilitate travel and business activities linked to infrastructure development projects in the kingdom.
Neither the Eswatini government nor the royal household had publicly confirmed the citizenship and diplomatic passport announcement at the time of publication.
Chivayo said he departed the kingdom inspired to contribute to Eswatini’s development agenda.
“I departed the Kingdom of Eswatini with a heart overflowing with gratitude, and a renewed determination to contribute towards the socio-economic transformation of Eswatini and Africa,” he said.
