Zimbabwe to Become Regional Hub for Power Equipment Manufacturing

Zimbabwe has approved a PPP between ZESA Enterprises and Shanghai Jingdao to manufacture switchgears, smart meters and EV chargers, positioning the country as a regional power equipment hub (image source)

HARARE — Zimbabwe is set to strengthen its energy sector and industrial base after Cabinet approved a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) between ZESA Enterprises and Chinese firm Shanghai Jingdao Electric Company. The agreement will see the establishment of a local manufacturing and assembly plant for switchgears, smart meters and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, positioning Zimbabwe as a regional hub for power equipment in southern Africa.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced the development at the final post-Cabinet briefing of 2025, saying the initiative responds to the rapid expansion of the national electricity grid and the urgent need to replace ageing infrastructure.

“The country faces a growing need for modern switchgears as the national grid is expanding, while old equipment is being phased out,” Muswere said. “This partnership will position Zimbabwe as a switchgear supplier in the SADC region.”

Government says the project is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic and industrial benefits. These include import substitution and foreign currency savings through reduced reliance on imported power equipment, as well as job creation and technology transfer that will equip local engineers and technicians with advanced manufacturing skills.

The rollout of smart meters is also expected to improve billing efficiency and revenue collection at the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), while the availability of locally produced equipment is anticipated to support downstream sectors such as construction, mining and transport through improved energy reliability.

The inclusion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure aligns Zimbabwe with global clean-energy trends and prepares the country for the gradual adoption of EVs across Africa. Analysts say early investment in EV-related manufacturing could give Zimbabwe a competitive edge as regional demand for sustainable mobility solutions increases.

Muswere also used the briefing to highlight broader national achievements recorded in 2025, including Zimbabwe’s chairing of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the COP15 conference on wetlands, ongoing industrial revitalisation efforts, the Warriors’ qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, and recognition by Forbes as a top global travel destination.

The PPP is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s role in regional energy supply chains while boosting confidence in the country’s industrialisation agenda. For businesses and households, the promise of modern power equipment and improved energy reliability could mark a significant step forward in the country’s economic trajectory.