Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s power generation capacity saw a notable increase, reaching 1 153 megawatts (MW) on January 20, 2025, up from 1 045 MW the previous day.

This boost reflects significant improvements in the country’s electricity supply, with key contributions from major plants such as the Hwange Power Station (HPS), the Kariba Power Station, and independent power producers (IPPs).

ZESA executive chairman Dr. Sydney Gata welcomed this significant increase, noting its importance in alleviating power shortages and supporting national economic growth.

“This increase in power generation will help ease the ongoing power deficits and stimulate economic activity across the nation. Under the National Development Strategy 1, we are committed to ending load-shedding by December 2025. We are increasing internal capacity and promoting independent power producers, which will ensure that we achieve this goal,” said Dr. Gata.

Government is also working to address a backlog of nearly 500 000 homes awaiting electricity connections, with completion expected by the end of 2025.

“We are boosting internal capacity and promoting independent power producers. This confirms that load-shedding will end by December 2025. We are also focused on clearing the backlog of almost 500 000 house connections, as well as addressing off-grid projects. Additionally, we have agreements with 10 provincial capitals to restore, expand, and modernize public street lighting by December next year,” he added.

Industrialist Tendai Makaza lauded the recent developments.

“This increase in power generation is a welcome change, especially for industries like ours that rely heavily on a stable electricity supply. The end of load-shedding would mark a critical milestone for the country’s economic recovery,” she said

As Zimbabwe progresses with these energy initiatives, there is growing optimism about achieving a reliable and sustainable electricity supply by 2025.