Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba/Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned the New Glovers 10MW Solar Power Plant in Munyati, Kwekwe, marking another major milestone in Zimbabwe’s drive towards energy security, renewable energy expansion and sustainable industrial growth.
The commissioning of the solar plant comes at a time when Zimbabwe is accelerating efforts to diversify its energy sources, reduce dependence on hydro-electric power and unlock private sector investment into renewable energy projects to meet rising electricity demand from the mining, agriculture and industrial sectors.
The project is expected to significantly strengthen electricity generation capacity while advancing the country’s broader green energy agenda and climate resilience strategy.
Phase One of the plant has a generation capacity of 10 megawatts, with the project expected to exceed 110 megawatts at full capacity.
The plant is projected to generate about 20 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
The facility is equipped with more than 18 000 solar panels, over 30 inverters and two smart transformers, while a six-kilometre transmission line has been constructed as part of the supporting infrastructure.
The investment is expected to improve power supply to mining, agriculture and industrial operations in the Midlands Province and beyond while also reducing reliance on electricity imports.
Addressing hundreds of people including senior Government officials as well as captains of industry and commerce, President Mnangagwa described the Solar project as a strategic step towards building a modern, energy-efficient and industrialised Zimbabwe.
“It is my honour to join you today for the official commissioning of the New Glovers 10 MW Solar Power Plant, here in Kwekwe. The project is part of ongoing efforts to diversify the national energy mix and build resilience against climate change and associated energy challenges,” he said.
“The New Glovers Solar is an indigenous independent power producer that has built the 10 MW plant and this demonstrates the role played by the private sector in complementing Government efforts to modernise and grow our economy.”
President Mnangagwa emphasised that reliable and affordable energy remained central to the Second Republic’s economic transformation agenda, modernisation drive and industrialisation thrust.
Projects of this nature and magnitude, he added, were critical in accelerating agricultural productivity, rural industrialisation and infrastructure development across the country.
President Mnangagwa said the completion of the project within the Government’s 100-Day Cycle Priority Projects framework reflected the efficiency, discipline and results-oriented approach of the Second Republic.
“When Government and the private sector work hand in hand, Zimbabwe can deliver projects of international standard,” he said.
Beyond generating electricity, President Mnangagwa said the project was already empowering communities through job creation, skills transfer and improved livelihoods in line with the Government’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The Government will continue to implement programmes that close the lifestyle and opportunity gaps between our citizens, in urban and rural areas. MuVision 2030, tirikushanda kuti munhu wese muZimbabwe ave nehupenyu hwakasimukira, economy yedu ichibudirira. Tose ngatishandei nesimba kuti tizadzise chishuviro ichi,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said Zimbabwe was strategically positioned to become a regional leader in solar energy production due to its abundant sunshine.
“There is plenty sunshine in our country. The sun is our silent partner. This Solar plant fully aligns with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 and the broader green energy agenda,” said the President.
He reiterated that access to reliable, affordable and clean energy would stimulate economic productivity, attract investment, create employment opportunities and improve the citizens’ quality of life.
President Mnangagwa said the New Glovers Solar project was a strong vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic reforms and investment climate and urged other investors, institutions, companies and communities to also embrace renewable energy solutions and productive investments that support national development.
He described the project as historic, noting that it was among the first to be implemented under the Government Project Support Agreement framework.
“This is a mechanism that creates a conducive and bankable investment environment for renewable energy development and infrastructure financing,” said President Mnangagwa.
He noted that the framework guarantees cost-effective tariffs, assured uptake of generated electricity and offshore repatriation of dividends, making Zimbabwe an increasingly competitive destination for long-term infrastructure investment. The President welcomed the company’s planned expansion to 100MW, saying: “Well done. Be assured that my administration will support you. Zimbabwe is indeed open for business.”
President Mnangagwa also applauded pension funds and financial institutions that supported the project and urged local capital markets to mobilise more resources towards strategic national development initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.
Applauding the huge turnout by citizens, President Mnangagwa said the development reflected growing confidence in the people-centred policies being implemented by the Second Republic under the Zanu-PF leadership.
“Tiri Musangano neHurumende inozadzisa zvivimbiso kune ruzhinji, tichiita mabasa anooneka, anobatika uye achishandura hupenyu hwedu (We are a Zanu-PF Government that is delivering visible, tangible work, which is transforming lives),” he said.
President Mnangagwa called upon Zimbabweans both at home and abroad to invest in local development projects.
He also directed both urban and rural local authorities to reserve land for energy and technology parks to accelerate innovation and industrial expansion.
President Mnangagwa congratulated the young Zimbabweans behind New Glovers Solar and also praised engineers, technicians, financiers and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure the project was completed on time.
“Your work demonstrates the abundant skills, innovation and determination that exist among our people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the expectation was for every district to leverage its natural resource endowments to accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030 targets ahead of schedule. He also called for increased collaboration in scaling up value addition and beneficiation across all sectors of the economy.
“I urge young entrepreneurs nationwide to draw inspiration from the project. May the project we are unveiling today be a source of inspiration for you to pursue your dreams and realise your full potential as you help to build the Zimbabwe we all deserve. The future of our country lies in our hands,” he said.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo and Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
