Is Zimbabwe achieving universal electricity access?

Despite recent achievements, Zimbabwe’s electricity sector still faces power supply deficits and slow progress toward universal electricity access. Peak electricity demand is projected to grow substantially, and achieving universal electricity access will require large investments, especially in solar power and grid expansion.

Which projects will increase electricity supply in Zimbabwe?

The biggest planned increase in electricity supply comes from the Batoka Gorge Project along the border with Zambia (1,200 MW for Zimbabwe) projected for completion after 2034, and the Devil’s Gorge (1,200 MW) to be completed by 2040.

Why does Zimbabwe have a power supply deficit?

The weak financial state of Zimbabwe’s electricity companies is the most significant issue driving the country’s power supply deficits and slowing the expansion of universal access to electricity services. Energy tariffs do not reflect the financial costs of energy generation and distribution, leading to significant losses for power companies.

Can Zimbabwe achieve high economic growth rates by 2030?

Zimbabwe hopes to achieve the high economic growth rates needed to move toward upper middle-income status by 2030, but to achieve this it will be critical to realize stable and reliable electricity access, according to the latest Zimbabwe Economic Update (ZEU).

What causes Zimbabwe's interconnected problems of electricity supply & access?

The ZEU finds that Zimbabwe’s interconnected problems of electricity supply and access are ultimately driven by three underlying issues: weak financial performance of energy companies, insufficient central planning and coordination, and limited private sector participation.

How much does Zimbabwe's power shortage cost the country?

Zimbabwe’s power shortages are estimated to cost the country a total of 6.1% of GDP per year, comprising 2.3% of GDP in generation inefficiencies and excessive network losses and 3.8% of GDP on the downstream costs of unreliable energy. Despite some recent achievements, Zimbabwe’s electricity sector still faces major challenges.