President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to officially commission the New Glovers Solar Energy Plant in Munyati, Kwekwe, on Friday, as Zimbabwe continues to scale up renewable energy investments aimed at strengthening national power supply and supporting industrial growth.
The commissioning comes as Government accelerates efforts to diversify the national energy mix, reduce electricity imports and improve reliability for key economic sectors such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture.
Speaking during a Midlands provincial state occasions preparatory meeting held in Kwekwe recently, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Secretary Dr Edgars Seenza said preparations for the presidential event had been intensified following changes to the initial schedule.
“Initially it was planned for the 29th of May, but we received communication that it has now been moved,” said Dr Seenza.
He confirmed that President Mnangagwa will officially commission the project on Friday, prompting all organising committees to speed up final arrangements ahead of the high-level event.
“We need to work together and make sure that come the 21st of May, everything will be set for the official commissioning by His Excellency,” he said.
The New Glovers Solar Energy Plant has already begun generating 10 megawatts in its first phase, utilising 18 600 solar panels and 31 inverters. Developers say the facility is designed for phased expansion, with plans to scale up output to 110MW through 10 additional development stages.
The project forms part of Zimbabwe’s expanding Independent Power Producer (IPP) programme, which has seen more than 100 energy projects licensed by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera). The initiative is widely viewed as a key driver in closing the national electricity supply gap and improving energy security.
The solar plant will help reduce pressure on the national grid, support local industry and mining operations in Midlands Province, and create employment opportunities for surrounding communities.
Government has prioritised renewable energy development as part of its broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy underpinned by industrialisation and sustainable infrastructure.
Increased investment in solar energy is also expected to cushion the country against climate-related challenges affecting hydropower generation and reduce reliance on ageing thermal power stations.
The commissioning of the New Glovers Solar Energy Plant is therefore seen as another milestone in Zimbabwe’s ongoing energy transition and efforts to attract private sector participation in infrastructure development.
