Simbi Phiri stands out as a successful businessman from Malawi who built a large company in the construction field. He started from simple beginnings in a rural area and grew to lead projects that improve water, roads, and other basic needs across Africa. Born in 1963, Phiri founded Khato Civils, a firm known for big infrastructure work in countries like South Africa, Malawi, and Botswana. His story shows how hard work and smart choices can lead to big achievements in business. Phiri also gives back to communities through donations and supports political groups in Malawi. This article looks at his life step by step to help readers understand his path and learn from it. It covers his early years, career growth, business wins, and more, all based on real facts from reliable sources.
Early Life
Simbi Phiri came into the world in 1963 in the village of Chembe, located in Nkhoma, Lilongwe district, Malawi. His father was from Malawi, and his mother came from Botswana. The family moved around due to his parents’ backgrounds. His father went to Botswana in the 1950s, met his mother there, and later brought the family back to Malawi. Sadly, Phiri lost his mother when he was young, and his father passed away too. After that, some relatives turned him away, so he grew up with his grandparents.
His grandfather played a big role in his upbringing. The grandfather had served in World War II and owned maize farms and livestock. He taught Phiri about running small businesses from a young age. Phiri helped on the farm and learned to grow maize, which gave him early skills in hard work and managing money. Life in the village was basic, with no fancy things, but it built his strong spirit. As a boy, he saw how farming and small trades could support a family. Later, Phiri moved to Botswana, influenced by his mother’s side and family ties there. These early experiences shaped his view on life, teaching him to start small and grow through effort.
Education
Details about Simbi Phiri’s formal schooling are limited, but sources show he attended local schools in Malawi. He went to Nkhoma Primary School for his early education. For secondary school, he studied at St. John Bosco Secondary School. After that, he pursued some higher studies, but not much is public about degrees or colleges. One report mentions he studied economics at places like Maralal High School, Kenya Utalii College, and St. Lawrence, but this seems mixed up or not fully confirmed.
Phiri often credits his real learning to life experiences rather than classrooms. Growing up in a rural area with family businesses, he picked up practical knowledge in farming and trade. He learned by doing, which helped him later in business. Phiri believes in ongoing learning, especially in skills for the construction field. He has spoken about the need for youth to gain hands-on training to create jobs. His path shows that formal education is helpful, but real-world practice can lead to success too.
Early Career
Simbi Phiri began his work life in simple jobs tied to his family background. As a young man, he farmed maize and handled livestock, building on what his grandfather taught him. This gave him a start in earning money on his own. In his twenties, he moved to Botswana and worked in insurance as a broker in Gaborone. This job improved his speaking skills and helped him understand business deals.
By the late 1980s or early 1990s, Phiri went to South Africa, seeking better chances after apartheid ended. He joined LTE Holdings in Johannesburg, a company in engineering and construction. There, he worked on projects to improve townships, like adding sewers, water, electricity, and roads in places such as Diepsloot, Mabopane, and Tembisa. He spent about 15 years at LTE, rising through the ranks and gaining key skills in civil engineering. These early roles taught him about project management and the needs of growing communities in Africa.
Rise in the Construction Industry
Simbi Phiri’s big step came in 2010 when he founded Khato Civils by buying a small firm started by Italian immigrants. His wife helped with connections to make this happen. The company began with a focus on water and sanitation, but grew fast. Khato Civils started at a low level with the Construction Industry Development Board in South Africa, at Grade 4, but reached Grade 9, the top level, allowing big contracts.
Phiri’s plan was to own heavy equipment instead of renting, which saved money and sped up work. From a turnover of about R100 million in early years, it grew to over R3 billion. He also started South Zambezi Consortium to handle design parts. As a black-owned company, Khato stood out in a field often led by foreign firms. Phiri expanded to other countries, aiming for projects in 42 African nations under the African Continental Free Trade Area. His rise shows how focusing on local needs and owning tools can build a strong business.
Major Business Ventures and Achievements
Simbi Phiri has led many key projects through Khato Civils, focusing on water, roads, sanitation, and energy. Here is a list of some main ones:
The Giyani Water and Sanitation Revitalisation Project in Limpopo, South Africa, worth R3 billion, done with South Zambezi as a joint venture. It improved water supply for communities.
Water and sewer upgrades in townships like Diepsloot, Mabopane, and Tembisa, adding basic services early in his career.
A P900 million water tender in Botswana, completed despite early issues, providing clean water to areas.
Expansion into Zimbabwe, Ghana, and other countries for roads and energy work.
Personal farming venture: A 700-hectare maize farm with a 1MW solar plant for green energy.
Khato Civils often finishes projects on time or early, creating jobs and boosting local economies. Phiri’s achievements include growing the company to handle large-scale work and mentoring young people in business. He pushes for African firms to lead in infrastructure to reduce reliance on outsiders. These efforts have made him a model for entrepreneurs in the continent.
Political Involvement and Philanthropy
Simbi Phiri has ties to politics in Malawi, mainly through donations to parties. He has given money to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), including K700 million in 2019 for campaigns. He also supported the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the past. Phiri is friends with President Lazarus Chakwera and backed the Tonse Alliance. In 2021, reports said he helped form a new party, but he denied it, saying he focuses on business. He believes business leaders can help politics by funding, but it must be open.
On giving back, Phiri is known for helping communities. He built a modern primary school in Chembe village, Lilongwe, in 2018, with desks and teacher houses. He donated K100 million in 2023 for flood victims in Malawi. Phiri gave furniture, a vehicle, and motorcycles to police in Malawi for better work. He advises farmers to use new tech, like solar for farms, to grow better. His work aims to create jobs and support youth, showing business can help society.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Simbi Phiri has faced some issues in his career. In 2017, Botswana police looked into him for not declaring $886,000 at the border in 2015. They froze his accounts on money laundering claims, but a court freed them in September 2017, saying no strong proof.
In Malawi, the Lake Malawi Water Supply Project, a $500 million deal for Salima-Lilongwe pipeline in 2017, drew questions. Critics said Phiri’s firm, Khato Civils, had conflicts since South Zambezi, linked to him, did feasibility studies. Environmental groups sued, but the Supreme Court ruled for Khato in October 2018, with costs to the groups.
In 2021, opposition in Botswana claimed issues with a water tender, but Phiri denied it and said it harmed his name. Reports in 2017 noted he holds passports from South Africa and Malawi, raising citizenship questions, but no charges followed. A 2021 claim of fraud in South Africa for R2.2 billion was not proven. Phiri has cleared most cases, focusing on facts in court.
Personal Life
Simbi Phiri keeps much of his private life quiet, but some details are known. He is married to Skanyisiwe, who has supported his business with connections. In 2021, he held a big party for her 50th birthday, with singers like Koffi Olomide and Makhadzi. They have a son, and Phiri speaks warmly about family.
He enjoys farming as a hobby, running a large maize farm with solar power. Phiri lives mostly in Johannesburg, South Africa, but visits Malawi often. He became a naturalized South African citizen while keeping Malawian roots. Phiri values resilience, often sharing quotes on learning from failures and mentoring others. His life balances work, family, and giving back.
Net Worth
Simbi Phiri’s wealth comes from Khato Civils and other ventures. As of 2025, estimates put his net worth between $80 million and $190 million. Some sources say up to $820 million, but lower figures are more common. His company’s turnover exceeds R3 billion, from construction projects. Phiri ranks among Malawi’s top rich people, thanks to infrastructure work. Exact numbers are not public, as he keeps finances private.
Conclusion
Simbi Phiri’s journey from a village boy in Malawi to a construction leader inspires many. He turned early hardships into strengths, building a company that helps Africa grow. Through Khato Civils, he provides jobs and better services, while his giving shows care for others. Challenges came, but he faced them with facts. His story teaches that starting small, learning always, and helping communities lead to lasting success. Readers can take away lessons on hard work and smart risks. Phiri’s future may include more projects in energy and farming, aiding Africa’s progress.
FAQs
Who is Simbi Phiri?
Simbi Phiri is a Malawian businessman who founded Khato Civils, a construction company working in Africa.
Where is Simbi Phiri from?
He is from Chembe village in Nkhoma, Lilongwe, Malawi, with Botswana ties through his mother.
What is Khato Civils?
It is a construction firm started by Phiri in 2010, focusing on water, roads, and sanitation projects.
How did Simbi Phiri start his business?
He began at LTE Holdings, then bought a small firm to create Khato Civils with his wife’s help.
What controversies surround Simbi Phiri?
He faced probes in Botswana in 2017 for cash issues and contract questions in Malawi, but courts often ruled in his favor.
What is Simbi Phiri’s net worth?
Estimates for 2025 range from $80 million to $190 million.
What philanthropic work has Simbi Phiri done?
He built schools, donated to flood relief, and gave equipment to police.
Is Simbi Phiri involved in politics?
Yes, he donates to parties like MCP and DPP in Malawi.
Who is Simbi Phiri’s family?
He is married to Skanyisiwe, has a son, and was raised by grandparents after losing parents.
What is Simbi Phiri’s legacy?
He is known for building African infrastructure and mentoring youth in business.
Leave a Reply