FROM THE MINISTER

The Ministry of Energy and Power Development has its key deliverable as energy supply and security for the whole country. The Ministry makes a commitment to provide a service to the specified quality

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

Zimbabwe’s economic environment is increasingly attracting the attention sf serious investors. The New Dispensation has made the country a preferred destination of Foreign Direct Investments. The country’s growth trajectory is certainly poised for a quantum leap as evidenced by developments in the infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing and commercial sectors. This positive outlook requires adequate, safe, reliable and affordable energy supply.

The energy sector, is on its own, an investment opportunity in the country while also serving as a key enabler of other economic pillars. I wish to assure current and potential investors and consumers that I, as Minister of Energy and Power Development, and my team are ready and equal to the task of meeting the country’s and regional energy needs.

This Webpage highlights diverse investment opportunities in the energy sector. It is informed by the Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) of 2018 to 2020 which was launched by His Excellency President E. D. Mnangagwa in October 2018. The TSP’s main objective is to restore and boost investor confidence while providing a platform for attracting new investments, improving the ease of doing business and prioritising meaningful engagement with the business and international community.

The TSP also serves as a precursor to President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 wherein Zimbabwe is envisaged to be among the community of nations classified as Upper Middle Income. The prospects of Vision 2030 are exciting as they entail a modernized, industrialized and indeed a technology driven Zimbabwe.

From my Ministry’s perspective, this clear trajectory is acting as our radar in everything we are doing. The energy plans, programs and projects outlined in this Webpage are therefore TSP and Vision 2030 compliant. An Upper Middle Income State requires abundant supply of energy which is clean, sustainable, affordable and reliable.

The country is expected to have universal access to sustainable and modern energy anchored on massive urban and rural electrification using both on and off-grid energy solutions. Our aspirations for universal access to modern energy dovetail with the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) agenda. In addition, the Sustainable Development Goal number 7 (SDG 7), compels Government to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”. This journey begins now and will certainly be achieved in this Second Republic.

Zimbabwe is endowed with numerous energy resources which are not yet fully utilised for the country’s benefit. The story of Zimbabwe’s energy sector is incomplete without mentioning opportunities provided by abundant sunshine, biomass, perennial rivers and vast deposits of coal across the breadth and width of the country. Coal Bed Methane gas and potential oil deposits make Zimbabwe the perfect country to consider as an investment destination.

On my part, my Ministry has reviewed all key statutes, processes and relevant codes in the spirit of expediting the ease of doing business thus facilitating quick turnaround times and efficient service to investors in the energy sector. Frameworks and guidelines have been developed to promote new and modern energy forms such as liquified petroleum gas, piped gas reticulation, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The statutes and processes promote high quality, reliable and efficient services to consumers while ensuring best return for the investor as well as protection of the infrastructure.

Zimbabwe is centrally located in the Southern African region, thus any investment in the country presents opportunities to tap onto Southern Africa Development Community market. This geographical advantage is ably complemented by the vast energy resources in the country which can be exported to customers beyond the borders. The country’s robust electricity infrastructure enables wheeling of electricity across our borders into the region. In the petroleum sector, the establishment of an inland reservoir of fuel is an opportunity for distributing petroleum products into other landlocked countries in the region.

My Ministry is finalizing the National Integrated Energy Resource Plan which will take into account all the energy resources in the country while exploring the possible optimum mix of energy resources in the future. My Ministry is also finalizing the competitive bidding framework in order to broaden the participation of all potential investors in the electricity subsector. The Renewable Energy Policy, the Biofuels Policy and Independent Power Producer framework are some of the policies being finalized to ensure a fair, competitive and cost reflective operating environment.

It goes without saying Zimbabwe’s human capital remains key in its competitive edge. I am happy to reiterate that the country’s energy sector is ably backed by qualified engineers, lawyers, economists, financial advisors among others to ensure investors’ projects meet their expectations and returns. Hardwork, honesty and effectiveness are some of the characteristics and traits that define the personnel in the energy sector.

As Minister of Energy and Power Development, I look forward to bilateral engagements with current and potential investors in the energy sector. The Government, my Ministry and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe welcome you.

Now is the time to invest in Zimbabwe’s lucrative energy sector.

Honourable  Minister July Moyo (MP)
Minister of Energy and Power Development