Matabeleland leads in power projects under second 100-Day Cycle

Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub

The Matabeleland region has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of ongoing electricity generation projects under the Second 100-Day Cycle of 2025, as the Government intensifies the implementation of the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

Presenting the report during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere noted that the region is leading with multiple large-scale thermal power initiatives, reaffirming its strategic role in Zimbabwe’s energy development matrix.

“Under the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Energy and Power Development (July Moyo) highlighted the following achievements under his purview: Construction of 235 MW Zhongzhing Heli Thermal Power Plant in Hwange District, Matabeleland North; Construction of 15 MW Maximind Thermal Power Plant in Buhera District, Manicaland Province; Construction of 100 MW Massive Prestige Thermal Power Plant in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province and construction of 45 MW ZIMPLATS Solar Power Plant in Chegutu District, Mashonaland West Province,” said Dr Muswere.

With Matabeleland North and South accounting for nearly half of the installed capacity under implementation, the region is at the forefront of driving the country’s energy self-sufficiency agenda.

In addition to the major Hwange and Beitbridge projects, the Matabeleland region is also home to the 20 MW Dinson Thermal Power Plant also in Hwange District, bringing the region’s total new capacity to 355 MW from the key projects.

Other significant projects include construction of 20 MW Manhize Thermal Power Plant in Mvuma District, Midlands Province, construction of 10 MW New Glovers Solar Power Plant in Kwekwe District, Midlands Province and construction of 2.5 MW Guruve Solar Power Plant in Guruve District, Mashonaland Central Province.

Further enhancing access to electricity in rural communities, several grid extension and mini-grid projects are underway, including St. Anthony Zvidhuri Primary Grid Extension in Hwedza District, Mashonaland East and Soti Source Community Solar Mini Grid (160 kW) in Gutu District, Masvingo and Chief Chireya Institutions Grid Extension in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province

The energy projects fall under Government’s broad agenda to modernise infrastructure, reduce energy imports and promote inclusive development.

They also align with Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.