Zimbabwe unveils 5-pillar energy strategy, $9B drive

Zimbabwe introduced the Zimbabwean National Energy Development Compact, a five-pillar strategy to advance its energy value chain and attract investment.

• Main announcement: The Government of Zimbabwe launched a five-pillar energy strategy aiming to mobilize $9 billion for generation, transmission and distribution, with $4.42 billion expected from the private sector; the pillars include expanding generation infrastructure, regional integration, distributed renewable energy and clean cooking, private sector incentives, and financially viable utilities. Key targets cited: increase clean cooking access from 38% to 70% and raise large-scale hydropower share from 7% to 29% via mini-grids and small-scale hydro.

• Background and implementation details: The briefing occurred at African Energy Week (Invest in Zimbabwe: Investor Briefing) in Cape Town on 2 October 2025; presenters included Minister July Moyo, Isaac Chiridza (Ministry), Cletus Nyachowe (ZESA), Abel Gurupira (ZETDC) and Invictus Energy representatives. Other verifiable details: Invictus Energy is advancing the Cabora Bassa Project (Mukuyu well drilled in 2023); coal production is projected to rise 10.5% in 2025 to 6.3 million tons; Hwange units 9 and 10 are being pursued with plans thereafter for units 11 and 12; investor routes include IPP, PPP, or captive generation, and transmission opportunities tie into the Southern African Power Pool.