Zimbabwean energy expert Dr Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa has called on the government to create an enabling environment for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to contribute up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of additional electricity generation capacity to the country's energy sector.
In an opinion article published by Business Times Zimbabwe on July 30, 2026, and updated on August 1, Kachirekwa argued that local SMEs possess the technical expertise, entrepreneurial capacity and human resources needed to play a significant role in addressing Zimbabwe's electricity challenges.
According to him, achieving the proposed 3GW contribution would not depend on a single company constructing a massive power station, but rather on bringing together hundreds of local engineering firms, renewable energy developers, technology companies, construction businesses and innovative entrepreneurs.
He explained that individual businesses could develop projects ranging from five-megawatt and 10-megawatt solar facilities to larger 50-megawatt plants, alongside investments in small hydroelectric power, biomass, waste-to-energy, battery storage, mini-grids and hybrid energy systems.
Kachirekwa stressed that when these projects are aggregated and developed systematically, they could make a substantial contribution to Zimbabwe's national electricity supply.
The energy expert identified government support as a critical factor in unlocking the potential of SMEs, emphasising that authorities do not necessarily need to finance or construct every project but must establish policies and regulations that encourage private-sector investment.
He called for simplified licensing procedures, transparent procurement systems, predictable energy policies, improved grid connection processes and commercially viable electricity purchase agreements.
He also highlighted access to finance as one of the biggest obstacles facing small energy businesses.
According to him, development finance institutions, commercial banks, pension funds, insurance companies and international investors should work together to provide long-term funding for viable energy projects.
He recommended exploring credit guarantees, blended finance arrangements, project preparation facilities and infrastructure investment vehicles to reduce investment risks and help local businesses secure the capital required to execute projects.
Kachirekwa maintained that Zimbabwe's energy strategy should extend beyond large power stations and embrace a diversified electricity generation system involving both established corporations and smaller local enterprises.
He noted that solar energy, hydroelectricity, battery storage and waste-to-energy projects could strengthen the country's electricity supply while supporting rural development and industrial growth.
He further explained that decentralised energy solutions, particularly mini-grids and solar systems, could improve electricity access in rural communities, supporting agriculture, healthcare, education, food processing and small businesses.
However, he cautioned that renewable energy development must be supported by proper engineering, maintenance, protection systems and reliable grid integration to ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond electricity generation, Kachirekwa argued that empowering SMEs in the energy sector could stimulate employment, strengthen local manufacturing and create opportunities across multiple industries.
He explained that energy infrastructure projects generate demand for electrical and civil engineers, technicians, construction workers, transport operators, project managers, procurement specialists and other professionals.
He also encouraged Zimbabwe to expand local manufacturing of energy-related equipment, including electrical panels, mounting structures, distribution boards, cable management systems, battery enclosures and control equipment.
He said the country should maximise opportunities for local businesses to participate in the energy value chain rather than relying entirely on imported equipment and services.
The energy specialist also emphasised the importance of investing in technical education, research, innovation and professional development.
He called on universities and industry players to strengthen collaboration, provide practical training opportunities for graduates and encourage experienced engineers to mentor younger professionals.
He believes that Zimbabwe's greatest energy resource is not limited to its sunshine, rivers or coal reserves, but also includes its skilled engineers, innovative entrepreneurs and determined young people.
Kachirekwa further urged the government to reconsider public procurement arrangements to ensure that qualified local SMEs have genuine opportunities to compete for infrastructure projects.
He maintained that technical competence, safety and quality standards must remain non-negotiable, but the size of a company should not automatically prevent it from participating in projects it is capable of delivering.
He argued that smaller businesses need opportunities to build experience, strengthen their financial capacity and develop into major infrastructure companies.
Concluding his argument, Kachirekwa said Zimbabwe's energy future cannot be built by government, large corporations or foreign investors working independently.
Instead, he called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, private-sector investors, financial institutions, engineers, universities, communities and SMEs.
He also recommended conducting comprehensive technical studies to assess the feasibility, investment requirements, suitable technologies, locations, grid capacity and implementation timelines associated with the proposed 3GW opportunity.
He maintained that supporting energy SMEs should be regarded as an investment in national development rather than a government expense.
According to him, unlocking the capacity of local enterprises could help Zimbabwe improve energy security, attract investment, create employment, strengthen manufacturing and accelerate industrialisation.
Dr Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa is an energy expert, electrical engineer, Founder, CEO and Transmission Director of Power Giants Africa.
Source: Business Times Zimbabwe.
