Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
ZESA Enterprises, a subsidiary of Zesa Holdings, is set to enter into a partnership with a Chinese firm, Shanghai Jingdao Electric Company for the establishment of a manufacturing and assembly plant for smart meters, switchgears and electric vehicle chargers.
The deal, tabled and approved by Cabinet yesterday, is structured under the public-private partnership.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced at yesterday’s post-Cabinet briefing in Harare.
“Cabinet considered and approved the proposed Public Private Partnership project between ZESA Enterprises and Shanghai Jingdao Electric Company for the establishment of a manufacturing and assembly plant for the manufacture of switchgears, smart meters and electric vehicle chargers,” he said.
“The country faces the growing need for modern switchgears as the national grid is expanding, while old equipment is being phased out.”
Dr Muswere said the collaboration will position Zimbabwe as a hub for the supply of switchgears in the SADC region.
“Additionally, the availability of smart meters will enhance ZETDC’s efficiency in accurate billing, thereby boosting revenue collection, while the production of electric vehicle chargers aligns with global mobility trends,” said Dr Muswere.
“The partnership project will benefit the country through import substitution, foreign currency savings, job creation, technology transfer, enhanced energy supply, improved revenues for ZETDC, and the strengthening of stimulus to downstream sectors.”
Zent has also set sights on producing 10 000 transformers annually, a massive leap from just 600 three years ago and its current output of about 3 000.
The target is expected to bolster Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation drive by expanding local energy infrastructure, cutting the import bill, creating jobs and fostering technology transfer.
The surge in production is significant for Zimbabwe, where reliable electricity supply underpins industrial operations, commercial activity and household needs.
Zent manufactures transformers ranging in size from 10kVA to 90MVA, with capacity of up to 132kV, which are critical for transmitting electricity efficiently from generation plants to end-users.
The firm is also working closely with local universities under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model to strengthen innovation and produce skilled technicians for the energy sector.
In addition, the company is shifting from copper to aluminium winding for transformers.
