Wicknell Chivayo ‘Gate Crashes’ State House After Being Barred From Meeting Dangote
Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo reportedly caused a stir at State House in Harare after allegedly attempting to force his way into a high-profile meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.
The meeting, held on 12 November 2025, was part of the signing of a US$1 billion (R18.3 billion) investment deal between Zimbabwe and Dangote’s conglomerate. However, according to The NewsHawks, Chivayo was not on the guest list — and his uninvited appearance sparked confusion and embarrassment.
“It Was Drama; A Spectacle”
A senior government official who attended the closed-door meeting told The NewsHawks:
“It was drama; a spectacle. Chivayo was not invited to the meeting. He had spent some time trying to convince the President’s protocol and security teams that he should be allowed to attend the Dangote meeting. He begged them for days, but all in vain.”
According to the report, Chivayo had falsely told his associates that he was part of the delegation meeting Dangote, allegedly claiming he was signing a lucrative deal. Some of his social media associates reportedly circulated false claims that he had been invited to State House.
Stopped Dead In His Tracks
Witnesses said Chivayo was intercepted by security officers, including President Mnangagwa’s son Sean, who is part of the close protection unit.
“He badly wanted to see Dangote and pitch his quick-buck schemes,” another official was quoted as saying. “But, as usual, he had also seen a big photo opportunity for himself.”
Chivayo was reportedly carrying a brown envelope as he approached the State House offices, giving the impression of official business. Journalists present said the situation quickly turned awkward when it became clear that he was not on the list of approved attendees.
“I saw him walking from his car coming to State House offices where we were, carrying a brown envelope and thought he had been invited last minute, but it soon became clear he was trying to gatecrash the meeting,” said one reporter.
A Repeat Of Past Antics?
Observers drew parallels with a similar incident at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in 2024, when Chivayo manoeuvred to get a photo with Kenyan President William Ruto.
“That is his business model — influence-peddling,” one government source told The NewsHawks. “He has met many Presidents in the region, but this time it failed. It was really embarrassing. After the drama, he walked away with his tail between his legs.”
The meeting between Mnangagwa and Dangote proceeded without incident after the disruption, with ministers, senior officials, and business leaders present to witness the signing ceremony.
Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo reportedly tried to gatecrash a high-level State House meeting between President Mnangagwa and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to sign a US$1 billion deal.
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