Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has signed a Government Project Support Agreement (GPSA) with InfraCo Africa for the development of a 30-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Vungu.
The agreement was signed yesterday by Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Vungu solar project is expected to contribute to Zimbabwe’s renewable energy targets as the country works to expand solar’s share of the national energy mix to 27 percent.
Currently thermal power accounts for 54 percent of the country’s electricity generation while the remainder is primarily hydro-based.
“The Government has implemented reforms to de-risk solar investment including tax incentives, customs duty exemptions and guaranteed power purchase agreements,” said Minister Moyo, following the signing ceremony.
“Land is available in multiple areas. Investors only need to carry out feasibility studies, obtain grid impact assessments from the utility and secure licencing from our regulator.”
InfraCo Africa’s head of business development Mr Omar Jabri said their company was committed to delivering the project and credited a multi-stakeholder effort for enabling the agreement.
“We are pleased to reach this milestone and look forward to delivering the Vungu project in an expedited manner,” he said.
“This would not have been possible without the collaboration of our legal advisors Africa Green Coal ELSF and the support from the UK government.”
The Vungu solar project is one of several initiatives being advanced as Zimbabwe turns to renewable energy amid climate-related challenges and ageing infrastructure.
Minister Moyo said the Government was increasingly prioritising solar generation due to its scalability and investment potential. Prior to the signing ceremony Minister Moyo also attended a closed-door meeting on accelerating large-scale solar projects organised by South Africa’s Department of Electricity and Energy and sponsored by Sun Africa Renewable Energy Solutions.
At the meeting Moyo gave an overview of Zimbabwe’s national power generation and distribution capacity citing climate change and technological obsolescence as the main drivers for shifting focus to solar.
He said net metering and small-scale solar power plants are already feeding approximately 60 megawatts into the grid with a target to increase this to 100 megawatts.
Minister Moyo also highlighted the role of private sector-led captive power systems in mining and industrial sectors.
“One platinum producer has already installed 35MW of solar and is scaling up to 105MW,” he said.
“Another mining company has partnered with an investor who developed a solar plant on-site. These projects are easing pressure on the grid and supporting our energy transition.”
Zimbabwe has licensed a number of independent power producers (IPPs) in the solar sector and continues to issue power purchase agreements. The Vungu project adds to the growing list of solar developments being promoted under Zimbabwe’s energy roadmap which aligns with broader continental goals of expanding access to clean reliable electricity.
