Zimbabwe’s average daily power generation increased by 76,8 percent to 1 537 megawatts in 2025 from 866 MW in 2024, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said.
This comes as the Government plans to mobilise over US$9 billion in energy-sector investments, with a strong inclination towards private-sector participation, to boost national output and close the energy deficit.
Minister Ncube, in the Government’s 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme document released last week, said expanded modern energy services were fundamental to national development, noting that reliable power underpins industry, health, education, gender equality and broader economic progress.
“Government recognises that expanding modern energy services is essential for driving industrial growth, improving health and education, promoting gender equality, and supporting overall development,” he said.
According to the energy investment document, as of November 6, 2025, Hwange Power Station was the largest contributor to the national grid at 980MW, followed by Kariba at 505MW and Independent Power Producers at 52MW.
Zimbabwe is today producing 1 422MW, with thermal power plant Hwange Power Station sitting at 817MW, hydropower producer Kariba South Power Station generating 550MW and independent power producers churning out 55MW.
Minister Ncube said that under the US$9 billion 2026 energy compact programme, the Government targeted expanding generation and network infrastructure at competitive costs and leveraging regional integration.
The Government is also aiming to embrace distributed renewable energy and clean-cooking solutions, incentivise private-sector participation, and ensure 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, promotes social inclusion and environmental sustainability,” he said.
According to the finance minister, the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme will be vital 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.
Zimbabwe faces a significant energy deficit, with current electricity generation at around 1 400MW against an estimated peak demand of up to 2 200MW.
This gap causes extensive load shedding and forces many households and businesses to rely on more expensive, private power sources like diesel generators.
The Government is addressing the national power supply deficit through a mix of small and large-scale projects, including expanding capacity at Kariba and Hwange power stations, and developing new renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
It is also focusing on modernisation, including rehabilitating existing infrastructure, improving rural electrification, and exploring alternative and clean energy technologies like modular nuclear systems.-herald
