Moyo credits tariffs, higher generation for Zimbabwe’s power stability

By Southerton Business Times | Harare, Zimbabwe | August 20, 2026

ENERGY and Power Development Minister July Moyo has attributed Zimbabwe’s improved electricity supply and sharp reduction in load-shedding to increased generation, regional power imports and cost-reflective electricity tariffs.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Moyo said the current tariff structure was allowing ZESA to build financial reserves that could be used to secure electricity from regional markets whenever domestic generation falls short of demand.

“We want to assure the nation that ZESA will continue to supply electricity thanks to the cost-reflective tariffs. They can put money aside to cover whatever shortfall there might be,” Moyo said.

The minister said ZESA could turn to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) when local generation was insufficient.

“If there is a shortfall of whatever size, you go into the market in the region; there are places with excesses which will be mopped up by those with shortages,” he said.

ZESA taps regional electricity market

Moyo said ZESA was using the SAPP Day-Ahead Market to purchase electricity when domestic generation could not meet demand. The regional trading mechanism allows participating utilities to buy and sell electricity according to available supply and demand. SAPP data has previously shown Zimbabwe using regional electricity markets to supplement domestic generation. In April 2026, ZESA had an estimated 1,505MW available during peak periods, while firm imports stood at 150MW.

Zimbabwe's improved electricity performance has also been linked to stronger generation at Hwange and Kariba, new capacity, strategic imports and better utilisation of regional power trading. The 2026 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review said these measures had contributed to extended periods without load-shedding, with the country recording 190 days of continuous supply during the review period.

Hwange leads domestic generation

Latest figures from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a ZESA subsidiary, showed Hwange Power Station generating 997MW, while Kariba was producing 460MW and independent power producers contributed 51MW on August 19. The combined generation was 1,508MW. Hwange's increased contribution follows investments aimed at expanding Zimbabwe's domestic electricity generation capacity, while Kariba remains an important component of the national power system. The Government has also been pursuing reforms aimed at attracting private-sector investment into electricity generation and strengthening energy security.

Tariffs remain contentious

While Moyo credited cost-reflective tariffs for improving ZESA's ability to manage electricity purchases and maintain reserves, higher electricity prices remain a concern for households and businesses. The Government has argued that financially sustainable tariffs are necessary to support investment, maintenance and reliable electricity supply.

ZESA has also faced significant financial challenges, including outstanding debts owed by Government institutions and other customers. The improved supply comes after years of electricity shortages that affected households, mines, manufacturers and other businesses.

However, Zimbabwe experienced a nationwide blackout in July after a technical fault affected the national grid, highlighting the vulnerability of the electricity system despite the recent improvement in supply.

Power stability supports economic activity

Moyo said reliable electricity remained critical to Zimbabwe's economic ambitions because energy was an essential enabler of production and investment.

“If there is a shortfall of whatever size, you go in the market in the region, and there are places where there is excess, and that excess can be mopped up daily by those who have shortages,” he said.

The Government's challenge now is to sustain adequate domestic generation while ensuring ZESA can afford regional imports and continue investing in infrastructure. For consumers and industry, the key test will be whether the recent improvement in electricity availability can be maintained as demand grows and the country moves towards greater energy security.

Zimbabwe electricity supply