Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has commended electricity availability this year, describing the development as a positive step towards strengthening industrial productivity.
Speaking at the 2026 Pre-Strategy Review Meeting Workshop for Stakeholder Consultation and Feedback in Bulawayo on Thursday, CZI National Vice President, Mr Stephen Ncube said this has materially improved industrial operations.
“CZI acknowledges that 2026 has been a comparatively better year for the energy sector, particularly regarding electricity availability. More than 160 consecutive days without load shedding were recorded by the end of May, while the period later exceeded 200 days. This materially improved industrial operations.
“The improvement reduced generator use, unplanned shutdowns, product losses, overtime costs and production rescheduling. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) benefited disproportionately because many cannot afford generators, solar
installations or alternative energy systems,” he said.
“Large companies benefited through more stable production runs, improved plant utilisation as well as ower diesel and maintenance expenditure.”
He said there were fewer damaged inputs and unfinished products, better delivery reliability, improved labour productivity and
greater confidence in production and investment planning.
Mr Ncube, however, said reliable supply must now be converted into a permanently reliable, competitively priced and investment-supportive energy system.
“CZI’s position remains clear, industry accepts the need for cost-reflective pricing, but tariffs must also be competitive, predictable, transparent and matched by measurable service performance,” he added.
“ZERA has remained accessible to CZI and participated in conversations on tariffs, energy efficiency, licensing, standards and the legislative outlook. Its participation in the UNIDO EELA programme helped connect regulation with practical industrial energy management.”
He said this was important because energy efficiency is not simply an environmental matter, it lowers production costs and releases capacity back into the system.
On supporting an enabling framework for private energy investment, Mr Ncube said ZERA’s framework recognises independent power producers IPPs), captive and embedded generation, net metering, mini-grids and electricity trading.
“Updated electricity licensing guidance was made available during 2026. The direction is positive because public generation alone will not meet the
electricity requirements of mining, manufacturing, agriculture and new industrial investment,” he said.
“On contribution to regulatory stability during a period of improved supply, electricity sent out during the first half of 2026 reportedly exceeded target by 7.8 percent, supported by domestic generation, imports and sector reforms. While generation and distribution are primarily the responsibility of ZESA and its subsidiaries, ZERA’s regulatory role remains important in sustaining investment and operating discipline.”
On liquid fuels, he said ZERA has maintained regular publication of maximum fuel prices and this gives businesses an official reference point for budgeting, contracting and monitoring retailers.
Mr Ncube said the authority also communicated that operators may sell below the maximum price depending on their trading advantages.
“Eventually transmitted some favourable global movements to the domestic market. These reductions provided some relief to transport-intensive sectors, agriculture, mining, distribution and manufacturers relying on standby generators.”
He said ZERA has responded to exceptional international volatility and the temporary move to more frequent reviews helped reduce the risk of shortages and pricing arbitrage during extreme international-market disruption.
On LPG and gas, Mr Ncube said the authority has continued publishing regulated LPG prices, while the monthly pricing framework improves transparency for households and businesses.
“The June 2026 maximum price, for example, was published at
US$1.96 per kilogramme according to Herald. ZERA has maintained licensing and safety oversight and it continues to publish information on licensed LPG operators and promote safe handling and use,” he added.
“This is important because rapid LPG-market growth without enforcement could increase cylinder, storage and retailing risks. Supported LPG as part of Zimbabwe’s changing energy mix. LPG gives households and some businesses an alternative to electricity, firewood and other fuels.”
He said uts development also supports clean-cooking objectives and can reduce pressure on the electricity network.
