Zimbabwe has announced a sweeping plan to strengthen its electricity supply by upgrading transmission infrastructure, increasing power imports, and opening the door for private companies to distribute and retail electricity. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), which has secured funding from an Afreximbank loan to finance the critical improvements.
According to officials, part of the loan will be used to modernize Zimbabwe’s aging power network and expand cross-border electricity purchases from Mozambique to help ease the country’s persistent energy shortages. The upgrades are expected to reduce outages, improve reliability, and support growing industrial and domestic demand.
In a landmark policy shift, the government has also approved the participation of private players in electricity distribution and retailing, breaking the state’s long-standing monopoly in the sector. Energy experts say this move could attract new investment, improve efficiency, and stimulate competition, ultimately benefiting consumers with better service and stable supply.
The ZETDC’s strategy comes as Zimbabwe struggles with frequent blackouts caused by low generation capacity and aging infrastructure. Officials believe that combining imports with network upgrades and private sector involvement will create a more resilient and sustainable electricity market.
Work on the transmission upgrades and import arrangements is expected to begin soon, with authorities emphasizing that these reforms are essential to power economic growth and meet rising energy needs.