Itai Ndongwe
KWEKWE — Zimbabwe has commissioned the first 10MW phase of the Glovers Solar Plant in Munyati, a US$9.5 million investment expected to strengthen power supply for industry and reduce the country’s reliance on electricity imports.
The plant, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last Friday, forms part of a wider US$90 million energy project projected to generate 110MW at full capacity, positioning it among the country’s significant private-sector-backed renewable energy investments.
The first phase consists of 18,600 solar panels, 31 inverters, two smart transformers, and a six-kilometre transmission line. It is expected to produce about 20 gigawatt hours of electricity annually.
The project is financed largely through the Public Service Commission’s State Service Pension Fund, which holds a 51% stake. It is also one of the first projects implemented under the Government Project Support Agreement framework, designed to attract investment through cost-reflective tariffs, guaranteed power purchases, and provisions allowing offshore repatriation of dividends.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mnangagwa said the investment supports Zimbabwe’s drive to diversify its energy mix while improving industrial productivity and economic resilience.
“This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to diversify the national energy mix and build resilience against climate change and associated energy challenges,” he said.
“Projects of this nature are critical for modernisation, industrialisation, increased agricultural productivity, and the development of rural industrial systems.”
Mnangagwa said the project also reflected growing investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic reforms and warned against corruption and vandalism targeting strategic infrastructure.
“Anyone who steals cables, vandalises infrastructure, or demands bribes from investors is an enemy of development,” he said.
Public Service Commission Chairman Dr Vincent Hungwe said the pension fund’s investment strategy was focused on infrastructure projects capable of delivering long-term returns while supporting national economic growth.
“By investing in bankable projects that are already feeding power into the national grid, the fund is strengthening energy security and supporting economic productivity across sectors, while delivering sustainable value to beneficiaries,” said Hungwe.
He said the fund was carrying out a comprehensive actuarial review to ensure investments remain sustainable and commercially viable, while inviting more investors to partner in infrastructure development projects.
Energy Minister July Moyo said the solar plant aligns with Zimbabwe’s new energy compact, which prioritises security of supply, renewable energy expansion, and diversification of electricity sources under the National Development Strategy 2 framework.
Moyo described the plant as a strategic investment that strengthens the national grid, lowers the carbon footprint, and demonstrates the growing role of independent power producers in Zimbabwe’s energy sector.
“A nation is built, governed, and sustained by its people,” said Moyo.
“In them, we see the living expression of our collective capability and our shared identity.”
