Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE stands at a critical juncture in its economic trajectory. The mining boom underway, driven by lithium, platinum, gold and other strategic minerals, is not just a story of resource extraction; it is a story of opportunity – and risk.
According to Government projections, electricity demand is expected to surge by 40 percent by 2030, while petroleum consumption will rise by 20 percent, largely due to the rapid expansion of mining and industrial activities under Vision 2030. This is not a distant forecast; it is an imminent reality that demands urgent and decisive action.
Energy is the lifeblood of modern economies. Without reliable and affordable power, the promise of industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition — all central pillars of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy — will remain elusive.
Mining, which already accounts for 12 percent of GDP and 80 percent of export earnings, is poised to become an even bigger economic driver. But this growth cannot be sustained on an energy grid that is struggling to meet current demand of around 2 200MW, let alone the projected 5 000MW by 2030.
The warning signs are clear. If Zimbabwe fails to invest aggressively in power generation and transmission infrastructure, the consequences will be severe: stalled projects, lost investor confidence, and missed opportunities in global markets where speed and reliability are everything.
Energy shortages do not just inconvenience households; they cripple industries, inflate production costs, and erode competitiveness.
For a country positioning itself as a hub for lithium processing and steel manufacturing, this is a risk we cannot afford.
The good news is that Zimbabwe is not short of options. The country is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources — solar irradiance exceeding 5,5kWh/m²/day, viable wind corridors, and untapped hydro potential.
Government policy already targets 2 100MW of renewable capacity by 2030, alongside gas-to-power projects in Muzarabani and the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Private sector players are also stepping up, with mining companies investing in captive power projects such as Zimplats’ 185MW solar plant and Caledonia’s 12,2MW solar farm.
These initiatives are commendable, but they must be scaled up and complemented by robust public investment.
What is needed now is a bold, co-ordinated energy investment strategy that moves beyond coal dependency by accelerating solar, wind, hydro and gas projects, while exploring future technologies such as small modular nuclear reactors.
Mobilising private capital for large-scale projects through clear regulatory frameworks and incentives is essential, as is strengthening cross-border transmission links to position Zimbabwe as a regional energy hub.
Energy projects must include local content requirements and capacity-building initiatives to create jobs and build expertise, while promoting modern smelting technologies, efficient billing systems and digital monitoring to reduce wastage and optimise consumption.
Energy is not just a utility; it is a strategic enabler of economic sovereignty. For Zimbabwe, investing in power generation is not optional — it is the foundation upon which Vision 2030 will stand or fall.
The mining boom offers a golden opportunity to leverage resource wealth into energy security, industrial growth and inclusive development. But time is of the essence. Every delay in expanding capacity is a delay in unlocking Zimbabwe’s full potential.
The message is simple: power up now, or risk powering down the economy tomorrow.
Unfortunately for any gas-to-power projects in Muzarabani , progress is currently stalled – while awaiting the provision of a Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement (PPSA) by the Ministry of Mines
PPSA’s can be complex documents to design and execute, or they can be relatively simple to produce – as in an agreement to share the proceeds of Gas Produced on a Pro-rata Basis (after deduction of the costs incurred during the exploration and development phase).
Two Gas Discoveries were declared in the Cabora Bassa Basin in December 2023.
In the two years since, the Ministry of Mines has Failed to Issue any PPSA as a basis on which to commence production, in order to utilise this National Resource.
Energy is not just a utility; it is a strategic enabler of economic sovereignty.
For Zimbabwe, investing in power generation is not optional — it is the foundation upon which Vision 2030 will stand or fall.
Mobilising and encouraging private capital for large-scale projects through clear regulatory frameworks and incentives is essential, as is the strengthening of cross-border transmission links to position Zimbabwe as a regional energy hub.
The public have a right to ask – what is the cause of such a prolonged delay (failure to produce a PPSA) within the Ministry of Mines ?