Zimbabwe introduces rebate for EV Charging systems

In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and strengthen sustainable energy infrastructure, the Government of Zimbabwe has introduced a duty rebate on imported equipment used to set up solar-powered charging stations.

The incentive, outlined in Statutory Instrument 35 of 2025 under the Customs and Excise (General) (Amendment) Regulations, is specifically available to operators approved by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).

A duty rebate refers to a reduction or refund of customs duties normally levied on imported goods. In this case, it applies to essential components required for solar EV charging stations, including solar panels, inverters, EV chargers, battery storage units, monitoring systems, electrical wiring, grounding equipment, and mounting structures.

The regulations, however, come with strict conditions. Operators benefiting from the rebate may not transfer or sell the imported equipment without prior written consent from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the payment of the originally waived duty.

The new policy marks a significant step in addressing infrastructure deficiencies that have long discouraged widespread EV adoption in the country. While the Government reduced import duty on EVs from 40% to 25% effective January 1, 2025, insufficient charging infrastructure remains a major obstacle.

According to analysts, the lack of accessible and reliable EV charging points—especially outside major urban areas and along key highways—creates "range anxiety" for potential users, thereby limiting the practical appeal of EVs.

"Addressing this infrastructure gap through strategic investment in public and private charging networks, including solar-powered options in remote areas, is crucial for building consumer confidence and accelerating the transition to electric mobility in Zimbabwe," said Harare-based economic analyst Mr Carlos Tadya.

Meanwhile, horticultural producers are also calling for further incentives—specifically a waiver on value-added tax (VAT) for solar equipment. The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) argues that the waiver would help farmers in the sector invest in off-grid energy solutions and reduce dependence on the unstable national grid.

Power shortages continue to affect critical operations such as irrigation, cooling, and post-harvest processing, with producers emphasizing the need for consistent electricity to maintain productivity and competitiveness.

Supporting this push toward sustainable energy, ZERA has revealed 29 energy projects currently in development, expected to contribute 1 688 megawatts (MW) to Zimbabwe's power grid. Notably, solar photovoltaic (PV) projects dominate, with 25 of the projects targeting a combined 403MW in capacity.

This trend reflects a growing interest among businesses and private investors in clean, renewable energy solutions to complement and potentially replace unreliable grid power.

The introduction of the duty rebate for solar-powered EV charging infrastructure not only complements the Government's EV strategy but also aligns with broader efforts to decarbonise the economy and promote sustainable development across sectors.