The Zimbabwean government has called on the Chinese business community to invest in the country’s energy sector, particularly amid ongoing electricity supply challenges.
At the Zimbabwe-China Business Forum held in Harare on Wednesday, November 20, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, highlighted the vast potential for further Chinese investments in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, especially within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In a speech delivered on his behalf during the one-day event, which attracted around 100 participants, Moyo emphasized that the BRI offers an exceptional opportunity for financing and implementing projects that contribute to sustainable development. He expressed the government’s view that Zimbabwe’s energy sector should be a central focus under this initiative.
Moyo acknowledged China’s significant role in shaping Zimbabwe’s energy landscape and expressed gratitude for its ongoing support in the development of the country’s power and energy infrastructure.
He stressed the need for investment in renewable energy sources, as well as improvements to power storage, transmission, and distribution systems. Moyo pointed out that Zimbabwe enjoys abundant sunlight, making solar energy a promising avenue for boosting the country’s energy supply.
“We invite Chinese companies with expertise in renewable energy to collaborate with us in establishing large-scale solar farms, as well as smaller-scale projects to benefit local communities and industries,” Moyo said.
Currently, Zimbabwe faces a power shortfall of approximately 800 MW, primarily due to declining water levels at the Kariba Power Station, the country’s primary hydropower source. The electricity shortage has been compounded by an El Niño-induced drought, leading to frequent nationwide power outages since August.
ALSO READ ; Grace Mugabe Breaks Down in Court During Theft Trial Involving Her Late Husband’s Belongings