AS Zimbabwe continues to invest more in renewable energy, the country has become a perfect example of how to attract investors in the energy sector.
It has built strong ties with global partners like Japan, China, Russia, South Africa, Brazil , the United States and Great Britain.
These countries have not only brought finances, but they have assisted in technology transfer, new grid storage systems- which are often called "giant batteries" in the energy network. These batteries are a critical backbone of a modern, resilient power grid.
With Zimbabwe hosting the next Sadc Energy Summit, which will be held in Victoria Falls, it's of paramount importance that we should be in a better position to relay the best opportunities which every investor is looking for.
Giant in energy revolution:
Zimbabwe stands at the cusp of an energy revolution. With one of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world and a rapidly growing energy demand, the country offers a golden opportunity for investors in renewable energy.
As the government champions its “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” agenda, energy experts have been for years presented the world strategic partnership opportunity for investors to develop 16GW solar power plants in the country. Not every country has the same opportunities as others, but Zimbabwe has become a model of excellence, a clean and ready market for investment to flourish.
Why invest in Zimbabwe?
The country's long term power purchase agreements not only guarantees stable returns through long-term power sales at US$0.08-US$0.11 per kWh, but also opens access to regional energy exports through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
Zimbabwe’s competitive advantage in energy investment
Attractive Tariffs: The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) pays independent power producers between US#0.08 and US$0.11 per unit, creating a strong financial base for solar investments.
High solar potential: Over 300 days of sunshine annually, making Zimbabwe one of the most attractive destinations for solar energy worldwide.
Regional export market: With the SAPP interconnection, investors can sell surplus energy beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Investment-friendly policies: Zimbabwe is encouraging IPPs, offering tax incentives, and ensuring guaranteed offtake agreements.
Strategic land advantage: Zimbabwe has vast tracks of land which can be accessed through the Ministry of Lands, under a very transparent manner.
As we continue to educate our investors on which routes to take when investing in Zimbabwe. The country has put bold measures to provide a world class investors office through Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agents (Zida).
In the past few years, the country has witnessed a remarkable increase in investments through Zida.
Vocational training centers
Our country provides a good opportunity for renewable energy investors to partner with our vocational training centres. These centres do not only provide vast lands for solar power generation, but they are hubs for technology transfer, incubate and manufacturing centres.
The classroom should not only produce a theory student, but it should be an economic booster, a centre of not just innovation but an Industry which should serve as manufacturing hubs.
Most of our vocational training centres are not far from our existing 132kv HV lines, this proximity reduces the cost of building new transmission lines and grid connections.
State partnerships with investors
For expansion beyond the private sector, We also encourage both local and international investors to partner with the Government for the ease of doing business, access to government guarantees, easy assistance from relevant government ministries and protection of their investments.
Investment model & flexibility.
The government has put a hybrid investment model to maximize returns:
100 plus MW retail option: Investors may choose to retail up to 100 MW directly for up to 34 years, generating revenue through direct sales.
100 MW Zesa offtake: The remaining capacity can be retailed to ZESA under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).
Export potential: Any surplus can be sold to neighboring Sadc countries through the SAPP.
This dual-structured model balances guaranteed returns with flexible private sales, giving investors full control over revenue streams.
Why invest in Zimbabwe without fear
Through partnering local entities like Power Giants, which are well known for standing as international diplomatic bridges, it has always been our goal to promote and showcase the beauty of investing in the energy sector in Zimbabwe.
With the upcoming Sadc summit, our motto remains the same “Zimbabwe the Golden Planet”. It is the most perfect and trusted country for investments.Trusted by Zimbabweans themselves. Recognised for delivering high voltage infrastructure, substations, transformers and renewable energy solutions to its citizens through partnerships with the private sector.
The power of collaboration.
Strategic relationships: Direct working relationships with the government, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Zesa, Zera, EMA and local authorities. These partnerships have always made Zimbabwe the destination for energy investments, as the Second Republic continues bring sustainable energy projects closer to its people. Zimbabwe announced a bold decision to liberalise the energy sector, hence it has become the best in Sadc and across the entire African continent.
Private players support through government support
Technical capacity: In-house ability to design, build, and construct substations and transmission lines. As the government continues to re-tool and capacitate private companies through soft loans, a better example of companies which have benefited from technical support through the government of Zimbabwe are Power Giants. Some of these companies do not need monetary support, but additional technical support.
Experience & track record:
Successfully executed projects in grid power, distribution and renewable energy, giving confidence in delivery.
Community integration :
Power Giants has deep local roots and proven experience in community engagement and stakeholder management — ensuring smooth project rollout. Our vast experience has been necessitated by the support of the government, hence Zimbabwe has become a regional leader in Renewable energy projects delivery.