Itai Ndongwe
HARARE — The Government has announced that the US$650 million, 600-megawatt floating solar power plant on Lake Kariba is moving into its implementation phase following the completion of critical preparatory and regulatory milestones.
Briefing journalists after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Soda Zhemu said Cabinet considered and adopted an update report on the project presented by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, who chairs the Ad hoc Inter-Ministerial Committee.
The initiative stems from a December 2023 directive by President Emmerson Mnangagwa instructing line ministries to facilitate private sector investment into floating solar infrastructure on the lake. Once operational, the plant will augment hydro generation, stabilise overall grid output, conserve dam water during daylight hours, and bolster the climate resilience of the Kariba power complex.
Structured as a public-private partnership, the US$650 million project pairs the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company as the sole power off-taker with GreenGrid Energy Private Limited, formerly known as Sunspire, as the developer. At peak capacity, the facility will supply electricity to roughly three million people while generating 1,000 direct jobs in Kariba.
Dr Zhemu highlighted that grid impact and technical assessments, land surveys, environmental impact approvals, regulatory licensing, and commercial negotiations have all been concluded. The Power Purchase Agreement and Transmission Connection Agreements were finalized in 2025, paving the way for technical and regulatory clearances to wrap up in July 2026.
Foundational engineering studies and resource mobilization for detailed engineering designs are currently underway. Dr Zhemu added that the traditional ground-breaking ceremony has already taken place, clearing the path for actual construction. Government will maintain inter-ministerial coordination and oversight to guarantee the project meets its delivery timelines and delivers much-needed relief to the national grid.
