ZIDA invites energy projects as Zimbabwe eases licensing for small power plants

The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency has invited energy project owners and developers to submit expressions of interest for projects seeking investment and strategic partnerships, in a move aimed at supporting Zimbabwe’s energy transformation.

The call covers projects at concept, feasibility, development or operational stage, and targets local and international investors interested in backing bankable opportunities across the power sector.

Eligible projects include utility scale and commercial solar, mini grid and off grid renewable solutions, hydropower, biomass and waste to energy, battery energy storage systems, transmission and distribution infrastructure, energy efficiency and smart energy solutions, renewable energy equipment manufacturing, green clean energy technologies and the rehabilitation of existing energy infrastructure.

According to the agency, selected projects will gain exposure through investor roundtables, roadshows, digital promotion platforms and targeted B2B engagements designed to connect developers with capital and strategic partners.

Applicants are expected to submit project details, promoter profile, cost and investment required, project status, supporting documentation, expected output or capacity and projected impact. Expressions of interest can be sent to Tatenda Jasi at [email protected]

The investment push comes as Zimbabwe has introduced regulatory changes under Statutory Instruments 125 and 126 of 2026, which remove the need for a full generation licence for commercial and captive power plants of up to 10MW.

Under the revised framework, companies developing small plants for own use or commercial generation now pay a US$20 licence application fee and register with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority instead of facing previous fees that could reach nearly US$7,000.

The new rules are expected to improve project economics for smaller independent power producers and captive power users, including mines, farms and factories, while larger projects above the 10MW threshold will still require standard ZERA generation licensing and the applicable fee schedule.

Good luck!

Author: Bryan Groenendaal