Zim Aims for Universal Electricity Access by 2030: Cabinet Approves Ambitious Energy Compact

By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target to achieve universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity by 2030, following Cabinet’s approval of the National Energy Compact today. The decision, made during the tenth post-Cabinet press briefing chaired by His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, comes in response to the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration on the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit held earlier this year.

The Energy Compact, presented by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo, aligns with the African Union’s “Mission 300” objective, which seeks to significantly increase electricity access across the continent by the end of the decade. As a signatory to the Declaration, Zimbabwe was mandated to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve this goal.

The approved National Energy Compact outlines a strategic roadmap built upon five key pillars: expanding power generation and infrastructure; strengthening regional energy integration; promoting distributed renewable energy and clean cooking solutions; catalysing private sector-led investment in the energy sector; and ensuring the long-term financial viability of utility companies.

Government aims to connect 3.1 million households to electricity and achieve 70% access to clean cooking technologies by 2030. The Compact acknowledges the current challenges facing the nation’s energy sector, including outdated infrastructure, frequent generation shortfalls, and limited access, particularly in rural communities. It also prioritizes enhancing energy security and building resilience against climate change impacts.

To facilitate the ambitious targets, the government intends to implement regulatory reforms aimed at streamlining investment processes for Independent Power Producers (IPPs), adopting clear mini-grid regulations, and creating an enabling environment to attract significant private sector investment in the energy sector.

While the national vision paints a promising future, the daily reality for many Zimbabweans remains starkly different. In Chitungwiza, a sprawling dormitory town near Harare, residents like Mrs. Agnes Mutasa endure prolonged daily power outages. “Every morning, without fail, the electricity goes off around six, sometimes even earlier,” she lamented, her voice weary. “We are left in the dark for the entire day, only for the power to return late at night, often around nine or even later. It makes life incredibly difficult – we can’t cook properly, our appliances are at risk, and our children struggle to study.”

Mrs. Mutasa’s experience underscores the urgent need for the reforms and investments outlined in the National Energy Compact to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans. The success of this ambitious plan will be judged by its ability to consistently power homes and businesses across the nation, moving beyond the current challenges of unreliable supply.

Government officials expressed optimism that the comprehensive strategy, coupled with the anticipated private sector involvement, will pave the way for a brighter, more energy-secure future for all Zimbabweans by the targeted year of 2030. The coming months will be crucial in monitoring the implementation of these strategic pillars and their impact on the ground.