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Online Writer
Zimbabwe took a significant step towards energy self-sufficiency and economic modernisation as President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for power projects spearheaded by Titan New Energy, Afrochine, and Dinson Steel in Hwange. The projects, which include thermal and solar power plants, are set to address the country’s growing energy demand while advancing industrialisation under Vision 2030.
Addressing an audience that included Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, ministers, traditional leaders, and representatives from the energy sector, President Mnangagwa hailed the initiative as a “milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards modernisation, industrialisation, and sustainable development.” The projects collectively aim to inject about 1 000 megawatts (MW) into the national grid.

The Titan Thermal Power Plant, expected to produce 720 MW, leads the initiative. Afrochine and Titan are also undertaking renewable energy projects, including a 100 MW solar PV plant in Selous and the 200 MW Jinan Solar Power Plant in Gweru, slated for completion by December 2025. These additions are critical as the country grapples with rising energy needs, fuelled by industrial growth and expanding urbanisation.
Highlighting the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) underutilised energy resources, President Mnangagwa emphasised the need for cross-border collaboration and renewable energy investments to achieve a sustainable energy mix. He underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to balancing traditional and green energy sources, guided by the recently launched Energy Efficiency Policy.
“The exponential growth of our industry, coupled with climate change-induced droughts, has heightened the urgency to diversify and strengthen our energy portfolio,” Mnangagwa stated, urging stakeholders to ensure energy sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
The President lauded the projects’ potential to stimulate local economies through job creation, skills transfer, and increased economic activities in communities like Hwange, Chivhu, and Selous. He also appealed to investors to adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, ensuring holistic development.
Acknowledging challenges such as vandalism and theft, President Mnangagwa urged law enforcement and traditional leaders to safeguard infrastructure. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment through competitive tariffs, streamlined permits, and support for Independent Power Producers.
The initiative follows the successful commissioning of projects such as the Hwange 7 and 8 Expansion, delivering 610 MW, and various independent projects generating over 300 MW. Together, these efforts position Zimbabwe as a burgeoning energy hub in the region.
President Mnangagwa closed his address with a call for decisive action from investors, stating, “Zimbabwe is a destination of choice. Together, brick by brick, stone upon stone, we will reach our goals.” With construction underway, the projects mark a promising future for Zimbabwe’s energy sector and its broader development aspirations.