- Zimbabwe’s Cabinet approved a US$650 million floating solar project on Lake Kariba, with a planned capacity of 600 MW.
- The plant is expected to supply electricity to three million people and create 1,000 direct jobs.
- The Gwanda Solar Project remains stalled more than a decade after approval, despite a US$5 million upfront payment in 2016.
- Developers have completed key preparatory work and signed power purchase and transmission agreements for the Kariba project.
Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved a US$650 million floating solar power project on Lake Kariba, despite persistent delays at the Gwanda Solar Project, New Zimbabwe reported.
The new project will generate 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity to complement hydropower and improve supply stability. However, the government faces questions over the Gwanda project, which has made no meaningful progress despite an upfront payment of US$5 million.
Gwanda Solar Project Remains Stalled
The Zimbabwe Power Company awarded the Gwanda contract to Intratrek Zimbabwe, owned by the late businessman Wicknell Chivayo. In April 2016, the company paid Intratrek US$5 million upfront. However, more than a decade later, the project remains stalled.
Authorities have not announced clear steps to recover the payment or compel Intratrek to complete the project. Against this backdrop, the government has advanced plans for the Lake Kariba initiative.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Minister Dr Anxious Masuka announced the project following a post-Cabinet briefing. He said President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed relevant ministries in December 2023 to facilitate private investment in the 600 MW plant.
The project aims to supplement hydropower generation, stabilise electricity output and conserve water during daylight hours. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen climate resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Kariba power generation system.
ZETDC to Purchase Generated Electricity
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) will serve as the project’s sole electricity off-taker. GreenGrid Energy Private Limited, formerly known as Sunspire, will develop the plant.
At full capacity, the facility is expected to supply electricity to three million people. It is also projected to create 1,000 direct jobs in Kariba.
Developers Complete Key Preparatory Work
Masuka said developers had completed grid and technical studies, land surveys and environmental impact assessment processes. They had also completed regulatory licensing and negotiated the project’s commercial agreements.
Furthermore, developers signed the Power Purchase Agreement and Transmission Connection Agreements in 2025. Masuka said technical, regulatory and preparatory work was completed in July 2026.
Government Promises Oversight as Implementation Nears
He added that foundational engineering and project preparation were progressing alongside resource mobilisation for detailed designs. The project is now preparing to enter its implementation phase following a traditional groundbreaking ceremony.
The government has pledged continued coordination and oversight to ensure timely completion. However, the project’s delivery will be closely watched amid the prolonged delays surrounding the Gwanda Solar Project.