The much-anticipated Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant, located in the heart of Masvingo, has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's efforts to bolster its renewable energy sector and address growing electricity demands.
The project is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe to be built adjacent to an existing ZINWA (Zimbabwe National Water Authority) dam, blending modern hydroelectric technology with an established water infrastructure. The Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the country's energy security and driving sustainable development.
The project was made possible through a strategic collaboration between a consortium of investors, including the Danish investment fund, Frontier Energy | Africa , and local investors Old Mutual ZW , the Public Service Pension Fund, ZB Financial Holdings Pension Fund and MOL Power. Together, these entities have provided the financial and technical backing necessary to bring the hydroelectric plant to fruition.
A Landmark in Renewable Energy Development
The Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant is designed to generate clean, renewable energy, contributing 5 MW of electricity to the national grid. This increase in power generation capacity will help alleviate Zimbabwe’s electricity shortfalls and support industrial growth, rural electrification, and the overall socio-economic development of the country.
The project also positions Zimbabwe as a key player in the region's clean energy transition, offering long-term environmental benefits by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting the use of sustainable energy sources.
“We are thrilled to see the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant commence operations and begin contributing to Zimbabwe’s power grid, creating jobs and stimulating local economies in Masvingo and surrounding regions,” said Daniel Schultz one of the founding partners of Frontier Energy.
“The Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Project is Frontier Energy’s first project in Zimbabwe. We hope and expect to participate in the creation of many more renewable energy projects in this beautiful country and in this way participate in the expansion of Zimbabwe’s power generation capacity,” said Kim Gredsted , one of the founding partners of Frontier Energy.
Samuel Matsekete [CA] , Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group CEO, echoed these sentiments: “This project underscores our commitment to sustainable energy solutions, to supporting growth of the economy, and to creating positive economic and social impacts for the communities in Zimbabwe. We are also excited to be playing a key role in Masvingo's first-ever power project of this nature through the Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Zimbabwe Limited, alongside our partners that include Frontier Energy, MOL Power, the Public Service Pension Fund, and the ZB Financial Holdings Pension Fund. We believe this infrastructure will have lasting positive effects on the region's economic growth and development. The successful completion of the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving economic development. We are proud to be part of this transformative project, which will contribute to sustainable positive impacts on both the environment and the local communities.”
“I am delighted to see the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Project commissioned and begin contributing to Zimbabwe’s electricity generation.” said Memory Mashingaidze , co-founder and Executive Director of Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power and MOL Power. “I thank our shareholders, board, stakeholders, contractors, advisors, project managers, employees and all those who have supported this project both directly and indirectly for working tirelessly over the last couple of years in constructing this landmark project. Without your support this project would not have been possible. We take this moment to recognise and celebrate a remarkable achievement and look forward with optimism as we hand the baton from the construction to the operations team.”
Local Impact and Future Prospects
The Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant contributed to job creation in the Masvingo region, with both direct employment at the facility and in indirect opportunities. Furthermore, the plant’s operational success is expected to attract additional investment into the region, fuelling further infrastructure and development initiatives.
This project is also a model for future infrastructure development in Zimbabwe, demonstrating the potential for sustainable power generation adjacent to existing water resources, which can be replicated across other regions of the country.
Conclusion
The Great Zimbabwe Hydro Power Plant stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when government, private sector, and pension funds collaborate toward a common goal of fostering sustainable growth. As it begins its operations, the plant not only promises to be a key contributor to Zimbabwe’s energy future but also serves as a beacon of hope for the country’s continued development and progress in the clean energy sector.