The US$20m deal that would have made Wicknell Chivhayo a billionaire

A NewsHawks investigation has uncovered a remarkable attempt by Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman, to secure exclusive rights to provide Starlink satellite internet services in Zimbabwe. Chivayo’s plan, which aimed to establish himself as the sole authorized reseller of Starlink hardware and services in Zimbabwe, ultimately met with regulatory resistance. Leveraging his perceived close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chivayo created a communications company, IMC Communications, and recruited a seasoned technology expert to aid in his pursuit.

Chivayo’s strategy involved gaining the President’s backing, securing support from the Information Communication Technology minister, and overriding the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to obtain a special license. However, Potraz publicly stated that no company had been granted exclusive rights to offer Starlink services in Zimbabwe, citing the absence of such provisions in the country’s telecommunications laws. This announcement disrupted Chivayo’s plans, and Starlink ultimately launched in Zimbabwe on September 6, joining other African countries with Starlink services.

Chivayo’s pursuit of the Starlink deal was extensive, involving trips to the United States, Uganda, and Tanzania. He met with influencers, including associates of music star Rick Ross, and secured a consultant to aid in his application. Chivayo’s proposal to Starlink included a revenue-sharing model and a promise to pay $20 million monthly to US influencers. However, his plan was ultimately thwarted by regulatory oversight.

The episode serves as a compelling case study of the intricate interplay of influence, political connections, and regulatory oversight in Zimbabwe’s business environment. Despite Chivayo’s efforts, Starlink is now available in Zimbabwe through multiple licensed operators, including Zodsat, IMC, and Aura. The development highlights the importance of regulatory bodies in ensuring fair competion and preventing monopolies in the telecommunications sector.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *