The genesis of our energy challenges must meet an exodus passage through sustainable solutions

Introduction: An engineer’s call to transform our energy future

Across Zimbabwe and much of the Sadc region, the energy conversation has for decades been shaped by crisis, blackouts, aging infrastructure, underinvestment, and heavy reliance on unsustainable fuels But I firmly believe that every challenge is an invitation to innovate As a passionate energy engineer, a policy advocate, and the CEO of Power Giants Private Limited, operating in eight African countries, I have spent my life building solutions where many saw only problems My vision has always been clear: Zimbabwe must be energy-secure, Sadc must be energy-connected, and Africa must be energy-independent

This vision aligns seamlessly with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform our nation into an upper middle-income economy powered by industrialisation, technology, and inclusive growth Without sustainable energy, this transformation cannot be realized The time has come for a bold Exodus from outdated systems and thinking toward a future powered by clean, smart, and resilient energy solutions The reality: Why our energy foundation is crumbling

For decades, our national grid has carried a weight it was never designed to sustain

Zimbabwe’s energy demand has risen steadily with urbanization and industrial growth, but our generation and distribution systems have not kept pace Many households still rely on inefficient electric heaters and stoves, designed for countries with abundant surplus power, not for a grid already stretched thin Industrial expansion has been slowed by frequent load-shedding, which disrupts manufacturing and economic productivity Rural communities remain under-electrified, depriving millions of the basic dignity that energy access brings

As I have walked through towns where darkness cuts productivity short, and visited rural clinics operating without reliable power, one thought resonates deeply:

“Every kilowatt we waste is an opportunity denied to another Zimbabwean.”

This is why I call for not just incremental fixes, but a structural transformation of how we generate, distribute, and consume power—one that guarantees both energy security and sustainability Vision 2030 and Sadc energy ambitions: Building a shared future

Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 lays a strong foundation for industrialisation, innovation, and modern infrastructure But these ambitions hinge on one non-negotiable pillar: reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy In alignment with Sadc Vision 2050, which calls for a modern, integrated regional energy market, we must:

Source: The Standard Zimbabwe