Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
ORANGEROSE Investments (Private) Limited is planning to establish Zimbabwe’s first large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery assembly and energy storage systems manufacturing facility – a US$33 million investment expected to strengthen local value addition and support the country’s renewable energy transition.
According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), the project will be carried out in Midlands Province.
It will have an annual production capacity of 2 gigawatt-hours (GWh), positioning Zimbabwe to manufacture advanced lithium-battery energy storage solutions for both domestic and regional markets.
The facility will be developed in partnership with Australia’s National Power Storage (NPS), under a technology transfer agreement that will enable the assembly, testing, programming and certification of lithium iron phosphate battery modules, battery packs and energy storage systems.
ZIDA said the investment is designed to reduce Zimbabwe’s reliance on imported energy storage products, while taking advantage of the country’s abundant lithium resources to produce higher-value manufactured products.
Beyond battery assembly, the plant intends to manufacture Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for utility-scale power projects, mining operations, industrial users, commercial enterprises and renewable energy applications.
The project will also integrate Battery Management Systems (BMS) into battery packs, undertake quality assurance and performance validation, and certify products for local and export markets.
It further seeks to localise patented LFP battery technology through the joint venture with National Power Storage.
“The US$33 million project will assemble, test, programme and certify advanced LFP battery modules, packs, and energy storage systems for utility, mining, industrial and commercial applications under a technology transfer agreement. The project aims to reduce import dependence, enhance energy security, and position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for renewable energy storage solutions,” said ZIDA in its new projects prospectus.
The investment comes at a time when demand for renewable energy equipment continues to grow, driven by increased uptake of solar power systems and the need for reliable electricity storage solutions across Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African region.
Financial projections released by ZIDA indicate that the project is expected to generate annual output valued at about US$120 million and cumulative revenue of approximately US$315,35 million over 25 years.
The venture is projected to achieve a gross profit margin of 46,6 percent and a net profit margin of 22 percent, with an estimated payback period of 4,1 years, highlighting its commercial viability.
The proposed investment also aligns with Zimbabwe’s drive to move up the lithium value chain by promoting local beneficiation and manufacturing, rather than exporting raw minerals. lt is expected to contribute to industrialisation, create skilled employment opportunities and position the country as a regional hub for battery manufacturing and energy storage technologies.
