Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has urged the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) to intensify market surveillance and remove unapproved electrical appliances from the market, warning that they pose safety risks and disadvantage compliant suppliers.
Speaking at ZERA’s 2026 Pre-Strategy Review Meeting Workshop for Stakeholder Consultation and Feedback in Bulawayo on Thursday, ZNCC Matabeleland regional manager Mr Mduduzi Ncube said stronger enforcement was needed to complement the regulator’s consumer education initiatives.
“We commend ZERA’s work on energy safety awareness, consumer education and the promotion of efficient energy use. These efforts should be matched by consistent enforcement.
“The continued sale of unapproved electrical appliances and products creates safety risks and disadvantages compliant suppliers. We encourage ZERA to intensify market surveillance, publish the outcomes of compliance operations and work with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), local authorities, standards bodies and retailers to improve traceability and remove non-compliant products from the market,” he said.
Mr Ncube said energy regulation directly affected the cost of doing business, investment, productivity and the competitiveness of Zimbabwean firms.
He said ZNCC recognised several positive developments in the energy sector and ZERA’s contribution to creating a more enabling regulatory environment.
“These include the authority’s public communication of fuel price build-ups and maximum prices, ongoing consumer education on energy safety and efficient energy use, and its work to strengthen technical standards and compliance.
“The reduction of petroleum licensing fees under the 2026 amendments is also welcome. Lower regulatory costs can improve the viability of operators, encourage formal participation and support investment, provided the changes are implemented transparently and consistently,” he said.
Mr Ncube said the business organisation also recognised the reported reduction of electricity licensing timelines to 90 days or less, as well as the publication of ZERA’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and 2025 Annual Report.
He said these developments were important steps towards more predictable regulation and greater accountability.
“At the wider sector level, the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 added approximately 600 megawatts (MW) to national generation capacity, while the growth of solar and other captive-generation projects is broadening options for businesses seeking energy security,” he said.
Mr Ncube said the sector-wide achievements could not be attributed to ZERA alone, but provided a foundation for the authority to support investment through clear, timely and proportionate regulation.
He urged ZERA to consolidate the gains and measure their impact on businesses and consumers.
“We encourage ZERA to report regularly on licensing turnaround times, the implementation and effect of fee reductions, enforcement outcomes, energy-safety awareness, consumer complaints and progress against its strategic plan,” he said.
