Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe has combined forces with Mozambique to tackle regional energy deficits which stand at over 35 000 megawatts.

Addressing journalists at State House in Harare last night, President Mnangagwa said the two countries enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship and was working tirelessly to tackle the energy crisis in the two sister countries.

“As SADC, we have a serious energy deficit. I think it is now beyond 35 000 megawatts which we need to all feed adequately. We are focusing on modernising our respective economies, industrialising our countries and to do so energy is an enabler, so we are now focusing on making sure that we provide energy. Fortunately, Mozambique has adequate energy and we are surviving on energy we get from that country.

“It is true that in the region we need to co-operate that is why we have the SADC power pool so that we can share our energy and the Zambezi River, which we share with Mozambique, has several gorges which are amenable to generate more power,” said the President.

Like a host of SADC nations, Zimbabwe has been saddled with power deficits that have been exacerbated by rapid industrialisation which is not matched by the current power generation

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa and his Mozambican counterpart, Felipe Nyusi discussed regional and global issues, touching on the need to reform the United Nations Security Council, of which Mozambique is a non-permanent member. On his part, President Nyusi said his country would continue working with Zimbabwe and other SADC member states to address power shortages.