By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
In a landmark move towards universal energy access, the Zimbabwean government announced the approval of the National Energy Compact during a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere revealed that this strategic roadmap aims to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to all citizens by 2030.
The Energy Compact aligns with the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration made at the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, which Zimbabwe signed earlier this year. This initiative, known as Mission 300, sets an ambitious goal of bringing electricity to 300 million African households by 2030.
“Zimbabwe has committed to the collective continental goal under Mission 300, and our Energy Compact represents a clear roadmap to power every household in our country with clean, affordable, and reliable energy,” said Dr. Muswere.
The Compact is designed to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by addressing critical challenges such as outdated infrastructure and insufficient electricity generation.
It focuses on five strategic pillars: Expanding Generation and Infrastructure, Strengthening Regional Integration, Promoting Distributed Renewable Energy and Clean Cooking, Catalyzing Private Sector-led Investment, and Ensuring Financial Viability of Utilities.
Dr. Muswere noted that the initiative aims to electrify 3.1 million households and ensure 70 percent access to clean cooking solutions by 2030. This will combat the reliance on traditional fuels, which contribute to deforestation and health hazards.
To promote these ambitious goals, the Energy Compact will implement regulatory reforms to attract private investment, streamline processes for Independent Power Producers, and encourage innovation in the energy sector.
“The Compact is a call to action for both public and private players, opening the door for investors, local innovators, and development partners to be part of Zimbabwe’s energy revolution,” Dr. Muswere affirmed.