Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Writer
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has issued power generation licences with a combined capacity of 540 megawatts to four independent power producers (IPPs) in Matabeleland North and Midlands provinces, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive towards energy security.
The licences, which permit the companies to construct, own, operate and maintain power generation plants, were all issued in December 2025 in terms of Section 46(6) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19), Zera chief executive officer Mr Eddington Mazambani has confirmed.
The licensed entities are Zhong An Coking and Power Company in Hwange, Matabeleland North, which will develop a 240MW heat recovery power plant, Oneputt Power (100 MW Solar Power plant in Hwange), as well as Huoyuntong Investments Private Limited and Changshi Power Private Limited, both based in Gweru, Midlands Province, which will each generate 100MW.
The approvals underscore Government’s commitment to diversifying power generation sources and strengthening the role of independent power producers in complementing existing utilities.
Independent power producers are increasingly becoming central to Zimbabwe’s energy mix as the country seeks to close the electricity supply gap, reduce reliance on imports and support sustained economic growth through reliable power generation.
“In terms of Section 46 (6) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19), Zhong An Coking & Power Company Private Limited hereby publishes a copy of the generation licence issued by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) that authorises Zhong An Coking & Power Company (Pvt) Ltd to construct, own, operate maintain the 240MW Heat Recovery Power plant in Ward 13 of Main North in Hwange Matabeleland North province,” reads part of the notice.
Huoyuntong Investments Private Limited has also been authorised to construct, own, operate and maintain a 100MW solar power plant at Bijou Farm, Ward 19 of Vungu, in Gweru, Midlands Province.
The project is expected to contribute towards Zimbabwe’s renewable energy targets while improving electricity supply reliability in the region.
Meanwhile, Changshi Power (Pvt) Ltd has been licensed to construct, own, operate and maintain a 100MW coal-fired thermal power plant at Gwelo Township Lands in Gweru, further bolstering baseload generation capacity.
The latest licences show the growing participation of private investors in the power sector, which is widely viewed as critical to enhancing energy security, promoting regional development and supporting Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive.
Energy remains a key enabler in accelerating the country’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda, as well as achieving sustainable socio-economic growth.
To address persistent power shortages, the Government is implementing several electricity generation projects, many of which are being funded through extra-budgetary resources, loans and private sector investment.
Adequate generation capacity to meet domestic demand is vital as Zimbabwe accelerates its march towards Vision 2030 of becoming an empowered upper-middle-income society.
Under the Second National Development Strategy (NDS2), Zimbabwe’s five-year development plan launched last week, reliable energy supply has been identified as a core enabler of industrialisation, digitalisation and broad-based economic growth.
Electricity is widely regarded as the backbone of modern economic development, underpinning manufacturing productivity, public service delivery, mining operations, rural industrialisation, e-mobility, irrigation agriculture and digital connectivity.
Energy experts caution that without stable and affordable power; the aspirations of Vision 2030 cannot be fully realised.
In support of this transformation, the 2026 National Budget indicates that strategic investment mobilisation of more than US$9 billion is envisaged for the 2025-2030 period, with about US$4,4 billion expected to come from the private sector, complemented by public funding and development partner support.
During 2025, the Government rolled out several policy instruments to guide energy planning, including the Zimbabwe National Energy Compact, the National Electrification Strategy, the E-Mobility Framework, the Energy Efficiency Policy and the National Integrated Energy Resource Plan (NIERP).
Collectively, these frameworks provide the backbone for energy security, diversification, a low-carbon transition and improved efficiency.
Public-private partnerships are also set to be strengthened, particularly arrangements that allow large-scale industrial users to import electricity directly from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), easing pressure on the national grid.
