Zimbabwe's electricity import bill plunges 44%

Zimbabwe's electricity import bill fell by 44 percent to US$117 million in 2025 from US$208.7 million in 2024, reflecting a major improvement in domestic power generation and delivering substantial foreign currency savings for the economy.

Latest data from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) shows the country saved approximately US$91.7 million on electricity imports during the period, easing pressure on the national import bill and reducing reliance on external power supplies.

The sharp decline represents one of the most significant reductions in electricity import expenditure in recent years and signals a positive turnaround in Zimbabwe's energy sector, largely driven by increased generation capacity at Hwange Thermal Power Station.

RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said the reduction was a direct result of a strong recovery in local electricity production.

"The country's electricity imports stood at US$208.7 million in 2024 and US$117.0 million in 2025. The 44 percent decline reflected a strong recovery and growth in local power generation in 2025," he said.

"The declining import trend reflects improvements in domestic power generation capacity, primarily the successful integration of Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8."

The commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 has significantly boosted Zimbabwe's electricity generation capacity, allowing the country to reduce imports from regional suppliers while enhancing national energy security.

For years, Zimbabwe has struggled with electricity shortages that forced the country to spend substantial amounts of foreign currency on imported power to meet domestic demand. The power deficits affected key sectors of the economy, including mining, manufacturing, agriculture and households.

According to RBZ figures, Zimbabwe spent an average of US$171.7 million annually on electricity imports between 2021 and 2025, underlining the heavy financial burden that power imports have placed on the economy.

The latest reduction in import expenditure is expected to strengthen the country's balance of payments position by conserving scarce foreign currency resources. Improved electricity availability is also likely to boost economic productivity by providing more reliable power supplies to businesses and consumers.

Energy sector analysts say the development highlights the importance of continued investment in domestic generation infrastructure as Zimbabwe pursues long-term energy self-sufficiency and seeks to minimise exposure to regional power supply disruptions and rising import costs.

With local generation capacity increasing, authorities view the decline in electricity imports as a key milestone in the country's efforts to achieve a more stable, sustainable and self-reliant energy sector.