Clarity needed as Mugabe’s end makes possibilities for Zimbabwe’s solar market.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Credit: H Barrison, Flickr.

Robert Mugabe’s “resignation” after 37 years in power has created both political uncertainty and new possibilities for Zimbabwe’s solar market.

Solar has begun to emerge in Zimbabwe, but remains undeveloped due to the political uncertainty of recent years.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Miguel Zaldivar, Southern African regional manager, AEE Power, said the sector will still be on hold until some clarity comes with regards to the future of Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

“Regardless of some generation licenses being granted by energy regulator ZERA, solar in the Zimbabwe market has been dormant,” he said.

The following months are expected to be taken with caution, but there is confidence within the sector that the situation will improve.

DR Knox Chitiyo, author and associate fellow at Chatham House, said in The Guardian that there are positives to work with in Zimbabwe’s resilient institutions, business and policies. He also said it has competent professionals in public and private sectors and potential for progress.

However, there is concern as talk that there may be “a second, truly democratic revolution” indicates that Zimbabwe’s political transition is still uncertain .

At project implementation level, there are a lot of challenges faced by the solar industry including the Bankability of Zimbabwe’s Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZEDTC), land security and indigenization laws.

In order to dilute this doubt, a clear integrated resource plan for the country, a procurement framework for renewables and investment protection schemes are needed.

A source from a South African solar firm said that the general feeling in the market is that the new president in Zimbabwe will be more business-friendly.

In actuality the fundamentals have not changed overnight and investors are “cautiously optimistic”.

There is also expectation that Zimbabwe will settle any differences with the World Bank very soon. That could then open up participation from the World Bank for political risk insurance through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the International Finance Cooperation (IFC).

“What I can see at the moment is investors lining up, but not going in just yet,” a source told PV Tech. 

A 75MW solar PV project in Zimbabwe was recently shortlisted by Access Power with five others, from a pool of 82 projects across Africa, to receive financing under its Access Co-Development Facility (ACF) fund.

21 October 2025
New York, USA
Returning for its 12th edition, Solar and Storage Finance USA Summit remains the annual event where decision-makers at the forefront of solar and storage projects across the United States and capital converge. Featuring the most active solar and storage transactors, join us for a packed two-days of deal-making, learning and networking.

Read Next

September 18, 2025
CERC is finalising guidelines for virtual power purchase agreements (vPPAs) to unlock financing for over 40GW of uncontracted renewable capacity.
September 17, 2025
Spanish renewables developer and operator Acciona Energía has commissioned its 412MWp Juna solar PV plant in Kawani village in the western state of Rajasthan. 
September 17, 2025
Nexamp has secured US$350 million through a long-term financing facility to expand its 6GW utility-scale solar and battery storage pipeline in the US. 
September 17, 2025
QatarEnergy has signed an EPC agreement with Samsung C&T for its 2GW Dukhan project. 
Premium
September 17, 2025
PV CellTech: Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of North American solar module manufacturer Heliene, says US producers must learn to survive without tax incentives.
September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA