Zimbabwe's power generation surge 76.8%

Zimbabwe's average daily electricity generation rose by 76.8 percent in 2025, reaching 1,537 megawatts (MW) from 866 MW in 2024, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed.

The announcement comes as the Government prepares to mobilise over US$9 billion in energy-sector investments, with a strong emphasis on private-sector participation, to close the country's energy deficit and expand national output.

"Government recognises that expanding modern energy services is essential for driving industrial growth, improving health and education, promoting gender equality, and supporting overall development," Minister Ncube said in the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme document released last week.

As of November 6, 2025, Hwange Power Station was the largest contributor to the national grid at 980 MW, followed by Kariba at 505 MW and Independent Power Producers at 52 MW. Current output figures indicate Hwange is generating 817 MW, Kariba South 550 MW, and independent producers 55 MW, bringing total generation to 1,422 MW.

Under the US$9 billion 2026 energy compact programme, the Government plans to expand generation and network infrastructure at competitive costs while leveraging regional integration. The programme will also promote distributed renewable energy, clean-cooking solutions, and private-sector participation, ensuring 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, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability," Minister Ncube said.

Zimbabwe currently faces a significant energy deficit, with electricity generation at around 1,400 MW against peak demand estimated at 2,200 MW. This shortfall has resulted in extensive load shedding, forcing households and businesses to rely on more expensive private power sources, including diesel generators.

To address the deficit, the Government is pursuing a combination of small- and large-scale projects, including capacity expansions at Kariba and Hwange power stations, development of new renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, rural electrification, and exploration of alternative technologies like modular nuclear systems.

Minister Ncube emphasised that the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme will be pivotal in consolidating progress under the National Development Strategy while addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits that are catalytic to the country's economic growth and transformation agenda.