Zambia Cancels $14M Election Contract with Sir Wicknell Chivayo Linked Firm, Awards to UAE Company
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has annulled a US$14 million contract previously awarded to Ren-Form CC, a South African company linked to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, for printing and delivering ballot papers and other materials for the 2026 general elections...
Zambia Cancels $14M Election Contract with Sir Wicknell Chivayo Linked Firm, Awards to UAE CompanyRen-Form CC, together with Chivayo, allegedly acquired a US$40 million contract from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to supply materials for the 2023 elections, with reports of invoice inflation reaching up to 235%. Activists expressed concerns that allowing the company to supply election materials could destabilize the region, given its history of working with what they described as “extortionists and conmen” in other countriesThis decision comes amid concerns raised by Zimbabwean activists based in South Africa, who had written to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema urging him to intervene and block Ren-Form CC from supplying materials for Zambia’s elections.Local electoral watchdogs praised the ECZ for prioritizing transparency and accountability, urging the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to adopt similar measures. Ignatius Sadziwa, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Election and Advocacy Trust, described the move as a positive example for enhancing public trust in electoral systems.
“Zambia’s ECZ has set an admirable standard by canceling the contract with Ren-Form CC, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement in electoral management,” Sadziwa remarked. He encouraged ZEC to embrace rigorousThe Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has annulled a US$14 million contract previously awarded to Ren-Form CC, a South African company linked to controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, for printing and delivering ballot papers and other materials for the
