The government has taken a major step toward liberalising the power sector by allowing private companies to distribute and sell electricity directly to consumers.
Under the new model, firms will be able to obtain licences to purchase electricity from suppliers such as ZESA or independent producers — including solar firms — and then sell it to households or businesses in designated areas.
Explaining the concept, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) chief executive Edington Mazambani recently told business leaders: “For instance, you can adopt Cowdray Park and reticulate the whole locality, which is in the upwards of 30,000 (homes).
“You connect them and get the bulk supply of electricity, either from the utility or a supplier of your own choice, distribute power within the locality, and collect revenue.”
The model, officials say, is designed to attract private investment into secondary power distribution, particularly in underserved or unconnected suburbs. It is expected to speed up electrification and reduce costs for government, while also integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid.
Earlier this month, ZESA acting managing director Abel Gurupira told an investor conference that the utility had mapped out nearly 400 “dark cities” — fully developed suburbs and commercial zones that remain off-grid — where such partnerships could be implemented.
The new framework, approved by cabinet, will allow ZERA to license eligible companies that can demonstrate both the financial and technical capacity to develop and manage distribution networks.
Officials say the initiative is a key part of efforts to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030.