ZIMBABWE’S average daily power generation rose by 76,8 percent to 1 537 megawatts (MW) in 2025, up from 866 MW in 2024, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed.
This comes as Government plans to mobilise over US$9 billion in energy-sector investments, with a strong focus on private-sector participation, to boost national output and close the persistent energy deficit.
Minister Ncube, in the Government’s 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme released last week, said expanded modern energy services were fundamental to national development, noting that reliable power underpins industry, health, education, gender equality and broader economic progress.
“Government recognises that expanding modern energy services is essential for driving industrial growth, improving health and education, promoting gender equality, and supporting overall development,” he said.
According to the energy investment document, as of November 6, 2025, Hwange Power Station was the largest contributor to the national grid at 980MW, followed by Kariba at 505MW and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) at 52MW.
Zimbabwe is producing 1 422MW, with thermal giant Hwange Power Station generating 817MW, Kariba South Power Station producing 550MW and IPPs contributing 55MW.
Minister Ncube said that under the US$9 billion 2026 energy compact programme, Government aims to expand generation and network infrastructure at competitive costs while leveraging regional integration.
The plan also seeks to embrace distributed renewable energy and clean-cooking solutions, incentivise private-sector participation, and ensure financially viable utilities provide reliable and affordable services.
“The energy sector’s strategic goal is centred on boosting capacity, closing the supply gap and strengthening transmission and distribution systems amid climate-related shocks.
Access to a reliable and efficient energy supply supports economic productivity, promotes social inclusion and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Zimbabwe faces a significant energy deficit, with current electricity generation at around 1 400 MW against an estimated peak demand of up to 2 200 MW. This gap causes extensive load-shedding and forces many households and businesses to rely on costly private power sources such as diesel generators.
Government is addressing the shortfall through a mix of small and large-scale projects, including expanding capacity at Kariba and Hwange power stations, and developing new renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
It is also prioritising modernisation, including rehabilitating existing infrastructure, improving rural electrification, and exploring alternative and clean energy technologies such as modular nuclear systems. – Herald
