Zimbabwe secures US$1,5bn for dams, irrigation and power projects

Zimbabwe has successfully raised over US$1.5 billion in funding to advance major dam projects across the country, including Musami Dam, which will supply water to the developing capital city in Mt Hampden, and complete the critical Gwayi-Shangani pipeline. These projects are poised to transform water supply, hydroelectricity, and irrigation infrastructure nationwide, creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

The funding was secured during the Zimbabwe Irrigation Investment Conference held in Harare on July 5, and will support initiatives to expand Zimbabwe's irrigated land from 217,000 hectares to approximately 496,000 hectares. This increase will bring Zimbabwe closer to its target of 350,000 hectares of irrigated land needed to produce 1.8 million tonnes of grain for food self-sufficiency and potentially 1.4 million tonnes of wheat, positioning the nation as a net wheat exporter.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, confirmed the developments, stating that multiple agreements had been concluded to fund irrigation and infrastructure projects.

"Memoranda of understanding (MoU) worth about US$1.5 billion have been concluded on approximately 10 projects," Prof Jiri told The Sunday Mail. "The concluded MoU projects target the construction of new dams, water supply pipelines to major towns, hydroelectricity generation, and irrigation development. These projects are essential for sustainable development and future water and energy security."

Key projects include:

1. Runde-Tende Dam and pipeline to Messina, South Africa, estimated at $600 million.
2. Manhize-Munyati Dam ($40 million) and Glassblock Dam in Insiza ($140,000).
3. Musami Dam and pipeline for bulk water supply to Mt Hampden, costing $300 million.
4. Gairezi hydropower plant, with a $90 million investment.

Additional hydropower projects are planned for Gwayi-Shangani, Kudu, and Osbourne dams. The project scope also includes designing electrolyser systems to increase power generation at various dams.

An initial agreement worth US$172 million with Valley Irrigation will bring center pivot irrigation systems to 23,000 hectares, enhancing agricultural productivity. Another agreement with Spain's Grupo Charmatin, facilitated by Munda Wedu Private Limited, began with €51 million for 12,725 hectares of irrigated land, later increasing to €75 million to cover additional areas. A deal with Lindsay Zimmatic will further invest US$100 million for irrigation of an additional 20,000 hectares.

Prof Jiri noted that Zimbabwe's irrigation expansion under the Second Republic has been significant, with the area under irrigation increasing by 24 percent since 2020 - the fastest growth rate since independence. He emphasized that this progress is crucial to securing food self-sufficiency.

"The projected national irrigation potential is 2.2 million hectares from more than 10,600 dams and water bodies," he added. "The current irrigation and planned expansion aim to ensure a reliable, resilient food production system capable of withstanding climate challenges."

The Gwayi-Shangani pipeline, part of the new developments, is set to improve water supply to major towns, including Bulawayo. Additionally, the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) is funding new projects that will enhance water infrastructure, such as the Waterfront Resort and Conference Centre at Bubi-Lupane Dam, which will boost local tourism and hospitality.

The irrigation and dam projects, along with government support for rural infrastructure, will enable Zimbabwe to strengthen its food security, agricultural productivity, and water resilience, building a foundation for economic growth.