HARARE, Jul. 2 (NewsDay Live) – The Zimbabwean government has ring-fenced 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity to support the 2026 winter wheat programme as it seeks to boost agricultural production and strengthen national food security.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe-China Business Symposium in Harare, Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo said government was prioritising electricity supply to productive sectors to drive economic growth.
“This year, we are targeting 125,000 hectares of wheat and we have reserved 150 megawatts of electricity to ensure that the crop receives adequate irrigation after planting,” Moyo said.
“We want to deepen our understanding of every sector of the economy so that we can prioritise our energy needs and ensure our energy resources contribute to economic growth.”
Winter wheat production in Zimbabwe is entirely dependent on irrigation, making a reliable electricity supply critical for pumping water to farms.
According to last week’s Cabinet briefing, 128,459 hectares of wheat have already been planted, exceeding the target of 125,000 hectares by three percent. The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) planted 59,880 hectares, representing 92% of its target.
Zimbabwe has in recent years grappled with persistent electricity shortages due to ageing generation infrastructure and reduced hydroelectric output caused by fluctuating water levels at Lake Kariba, as well as ageing equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.
In response, the government has stepped up investment in solar, thermal and other renewable energy projects.
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Moyo, however, said thermal power would continue to provide the country’s baseload electricity even as Zimbabwe expands renewable energy generation.
“We must strike a balance between renewable energy and thermal energy. Thermal power will remain our baseload, while hydroelectricity also continues to play an important role,” he said.
The minister also urged authorities to improve urban planning around major industrial and energy investments, saying strategic projects should be accompanied by properly planned settlements rather than unregulated communities.
Referring to developments around Hwange, Moyo said new industrial hubs should evolve into well-planned towns with adequate infrastructure, security services and public amenities.
“We cannot have random settlements around such strategic investments. Planning new cities and communities will improve security, service delivery and sustainable economic development,” Moyo said.
