Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
The Government has unveiled a comprehensive and high-impact energy transformation plan that seeks to achieve universal access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy by 2030.
Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo yesterday presented the Energy Compact to the European private sector at the World Bank’s M300 (Africa Electrification) initiative in London, United Kingdom, clearly outlining energy investment opportunities in the country as part of a drive to lure investment.
“This Energy Compact is not just a technical document, it is a national statement of intent rooted in Zimbabwe’s broader development aspirations under Vision 2030, which seeks to build a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society.
“The Compact aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (UN SDG 7), underscoring energy as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, gender empowerment and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Minister Moyo also revealed the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, noting that ongoing energy challenges present a compelling investment opportunity.
“As of 2024, 38 percent of the population lacks access to electricity and more than 61 percent of households rely on traditional biomass such as firewood and charcoal for cooking.
“These forms of energy poverty disproportionately affect rural communities, women and youth, creating a major bottleneck to productivity, public health, education, and sustainable development. President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to transforming the energy landscape as a central pillar of national progress.
“In his capacity as President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC, he emphasised that energy is more than a utility, it is the engine of socio-economic transformation.”
Minister Moyo also told investors that President had made it clear that reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is a fundamental enabler for achieving Vision 2030.
“His commitment is further reflected in the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025) and Strategy 2 (2026-2030), which together provide a roadmap for industrial growth, poverty reduction, and national modernisation.
“To meet its goals, Zimbabwe is targeting universal electricity access by 2030. Current estimates from the National Electrification Strategy indicate that 41 percent of the population had access to electricity in 2024. The Government plans to increase this figure to 100 percent by the end of the decade. This will involve connecting an additional 1,9 million households to the grid, at an annual rate of 320 000 households.
“For rural and underserved areas, 200 000 households will receive standalone solar systems, reaching a further 1,2 million people. A flagship initiative, the Presidential Rural Solarisation Scheme, aims to equip more than one million rural homes with 1kW solar systems by 2030.”
Minister Moyo said the country aims to increase access to clean cooking solutions from 38,6 percent to 70 percent of the population by 2030, reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal.
He also revealed that the country plans to incorporate clean cooking infrastructure in 80 percent of new residential and institutional buildings.
“In reshaping its energy mix, Zimbabwe is moving decisively towards renewable energy. Installed capacity is projected to rise from 1 282MW in 2024 to 2 640MW by 2030. Of that capacity, renewables such as solar, wind and biogas will make up 29 percent of the national energy mix, up from 7,8 percent.
“The Government also plans to expand net-metered capacity from 28,5 MW in 2024 to 100MW by 2025, with an additional 200MW added between 2026 and 2030. This push towards renewables will enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and diversify the national power supply,”Minister Moyo added.
He said the country was planning to expand net-metered capacity and mobilise US$9,13 billion in investment by 2030.
Peter Tanyanyiwa