ZESA Holdings Targets End to Load-Shedding by 2025
ZESA Holdings, Zimbabwe’s main electricity utility, aims to eliminate load-shedding by next year and achieve universal electricity access by 2030.
In an interview with The Herald, ZESA executive chairman Sydney Gata outlined a strategy focused on local manufacturing, international partnerships, and improved operational efficiency.
He noted that large companies will take on their own energy supply risks instead of relying on ZESA and the government.
Gata confirmed that the utility has begun addressing the backlog of connections and expects to end load-shedding by next year.
“By 2026, we aim to clear the connections backlog and stop power imports by 2027, targeting net power export by 2028,” he stated.
Significant investments include six captive power plant projects expected to add over 2,690MW of capacity. Gata mentioned that ZESA plans to commission at least six projects by December 2025, effectively doubling current capacity.
To further reduce risks, ZESA is manufacturing equipment locally, partnering with a UAE company to produce cables and conductors needed to replace 24,000 kilometers of aging infrastructure.
Gata emphasized that solving Zimbabwe’s power issues requires a comprehensive approach that will also benefit future generations.