By: The Zimbabwean

Zimbabwe is actively seeking private sector investment to overhaul its aging electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. The government has identified the expansion and modernization of the national grid as a critical priority, with planned upgrades including the replacement of transformers and the enhancement of both underground and overhead power lines.

The appeal was formally issued by July Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Power and Energy Development, during a panel session at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference.

“We have opened up investment in our transmission and distribution networks for the private sector,” Minister Moyo stated.

A Multi-Pronged Investment Drive

The investment initiative extends beyond domestic grid upgrades. The government is also seeking partners for regional interconnection projects aimed at boosting power trade within the Southern African Power Pool. Furthermore, to accelerate rural electrification, the ministry is promoting off-grid and decentralized energy solutions.

To attract private capital, the government is offering a suite of incentives. These include public-private partnerships (PPPs), frameworks for independent power producers (IPPs), net metering policies, tax holidays, and guarantees against expropriation.

Regional Echo for Industrial Self-Sufficiency

The conference highlighted a regional trend of leveraging private investment for energy security. Jonas Amukunde, Technical Advisor to Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister, echoed the call for private sector involvement. He urged independent power producers to assist heavy industries in developing their own on-site generation capacity, thereby reducing their reliance on the national grid.

“We aim for industries to set up their own onsite, limited generation capacities,” Amukunde stated.

A Balanced Energy Strategy for Growth

The discussion also emphasized the need for a pragmatic energy mix. Stan Pillay, Regional Carbon and Innovation Lead for Africa at mining giant Anglo American, stressed the importance of balancing renewable energy with conventional sources. He highlighted southern Africa's potential to become a renewable energy leader while still leveraging its existing oil and natural gas resources to ensure a stable supply.

“You need to think about a balance in energy that secures energy supply,” Pillay stated, adding that “The energy landscape has fundamentally changed and required a new way of thinking.”