Wicknell Chivayo Faces Backlash Over Gwanda Solar Project as He Heads to Tanzania for 2025 Energy Summit

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo is once again in the headlines, this time over his trip to Tanzania for the 2025 Energy Summit. While he is set to meet with global leaders, Zimbabweans’ attention remains fixed on his troubled Gwanda Solar Project, which has left the country grappling with severe power shortages—sometimes enduring up to 18 hours of daily blackouts.

Chivayo, the director of Intratrek, has been widely criticized for abandoning the Gwanda Solar Project prematurely, leaving the nation’s energy crisis unresolved. Many are questioning his ability to deliver on his promises, especially given his rocky track record.

As Zimbabweans continue to suffer from daily power cuts, the question looms: Is Chivayo’s trip to Tanzania an attempt to salvage his tarnished reputation, or is it just another chapter in a saga of projects that begin with high hopes but end in disappointment? All eyes will be on him as he addresses global leaders at the summit, while his own energy project remains stalled.

Wicknell Chivayo with his fiance and President Ruto ahead of the 2025 Energy Summit

Meanwhile, social media is ablaze with reactions from frustrated Zimbabweans, many demanding answers about the stalled Gwanda Solar Project:

Matt:
“In Zim you failed to install a single solar panel for the Gwanda solar project 😠 but you are busy talking about global energy goals, vision 2030 bla bla bla…”

Tedious Musinachirevo:
“Did you complete the renewable energy in Gwanda? By the way, why are you getting government tenders when you are a former jere boy who served time at Chikurubi Maximum Prison?”

TC:
“How far with Gwanda solar farm? Mari yakaenda kubutsu and expensive cars.”

DR Tsotsi Panonaka:
“Going to steal from Tanzania too, where is the Gwanda Solar Project?”

Musawenkosi:
“Regerai zvamuri kuita izvi vakomana!! MaWar vets makamanzwa here zvaakataura nezuro @HStvZim?”

As Chivayo prepares to speak at the Energy Summit, the pressure is mounting to prove that he can deliver results. The nation, and the world, will be watching closely.