Construction of a 20MW solar power plant at Almid Private Limited in Gweru has reached 60% completion, marking a major step towards securing reliable electricity for Zimbabwe’s ferrochrome industry and reducing pressure on the national grid.
The solar project forms part of a broader US$140 million energy investment by Jin An Group, which also includes plans for a 100MW captive power plant expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
The investments are expected to strengthen power supplies for Jin An’s five furnaces, enabling the company to expand ferrochrome production, create employment and contribute to Government’s industrialisation drive under Vision 2030.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, who recently toured the project alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nick Mangwana, and Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Secretary, Dr Edgar Seenza, said the development demonstrated the Second Republic’s commitment to industrialisation.
“They indicated that they will be moving to their own power supply through a 20-megawatt solar plant,” Dr Soda said, noting that Government currently provides subsidised electricity to ferrochrome producers.
Jin An finance manager, Munyaradzi Matanyaire, said the solar project was progressing according to plan, with major equipment already being transported to the site.
“We are at about 60% completion of the solar programme. Major equipment for the solar plant was already en route and would soon be installed, along with transmission infrastructure to connect directly to the company’s furnaces,” he said.
Jin An operates five furnaces requiring approximately 50MW to run at full capacity.
The 20MW solar facility will therefore supplement electricity from the national grid, providing a more stable power source and helping the company manage rising energy requirements.
The investment comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s mining and manufacturing industries are demanding more reliable and affordable electricity to support increased production.
Beyond the energy project, the Government delegation assessed several development initiatives across Midlands Province, including the Midlands Park Flats in Zvishavane.
The housing development is aimed at expanding access to affordable accommodation and helping Government address the national housing backlog.
Midlands Park Flats housing manager Michael Kanengoni said the project was delivering affordable homes while maintaining quality standards.
“We have housing that is both low cost and of high quality. It is serving people in terms of quality and proper standards,” he said.
The delegation also visited Nkatazo Rural Clinic, which has been upgraded to hospital status.
District medical officer, Dr Tapiwa Mavurayi, said the upgrade had significantly improved access to healthcare for surrounding communities.
“We are now serving about 20 patients per day,” he said, adding that residents who previously travelled more than five kilometres for healthcare could now access services closer to home.
The energy, housing and healthcare developments are in line with the Government’s National Development Strategy 2, which seeks to accelerate industrialisation, expand infrastructure and improve citizens’ quality of life as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 targets.
