A shocking revelation has emerged regarding the controversial deal between Starlink and Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono reported that Starlink has rejected Chivayo’s proposal for a 50-50 partnership through his company, IMC Communications, for operations in Zimbabwe.
The news follows Starlink’s official launch in Zimbabwe on September 7, sparking discussions about the implications of this decision.
Starlink now available in Zimbabwe! https://t.co/TBlqL0327U
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2024
Chin’ono disclosed on X that the proposal included a 50% stake for Starlink, while IMC Communications would secure 40%, with the remaining 10% allocated to the Mutapa Investment Fund, a state-owned entity.
“Starlink resisted the proposal because the other parties were not bringing anything to the table except political capital,” Chin’ono stated, citing a source within Starlink.
Background on the Mutapa Investment Fund
The Mutapa Investment Fund, previously known as the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe, was established to manage and invest surplus funds generated from the country’s natural resources, including minerals and commodities.
Its involvement in the proposed deal raised eyebrows given Chivayo’s controversial reputation.
Key Meetings and Developments
Sources informed Chin’ono that a crucial meeting took place in Harare recently, involving DHL, a law firm representing Starlink, the Zimbabwean secret service, the Ministry of Defence, and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
The meeting focused on the logistics of Starlink’s operations in Zimbabwe.
“Starlink was set to dispatch 1,500 test kits from America to Harare this week, but they were informed that POTRAZ needed to sign off first, which has now been completed. POTRAZ will also inspect and verify the kits upon their arrival,” Chin’ono reported.
In May 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the approval for Starlink to operate in Zimbabwe, emphasizing an exclusive deal with IMC Communications, owned by Chivayo, known for his role in the controversial Gwanda Solar Project.
Controversy Surrounding Chivayo
Chivayo’s reputation has been marred by allegations of corruption, including revelations in June that he profited millions from an elections tender. Despite this, POTRAZ issued a contradictory statement, claiming it does not offer exclusive licenses for telecommunications operations.
Starlink has now decided to sell its kits directly to Zimbabweans, bypassing any intermediaries, which could mark a new era for internet access in the country.
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