Industry hails 200 days of stable power but warns it needs long-term guarantees

Manufacturers say Zimbabwe’s more than 200-day run without load-shedding has boosted industrial productivity and cut reliance on generators.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Sekai Kuvarika said the relative stability of electricity supply in the first half of the year had positively affected business operations, improving production planning, plant utilisation and delivery performance.

The improved supply has helped companies reduce generator fuel and maintenance costs, equipment damage, production stoppages and raw material wastage, she said.

It has also allowed firms to redirect resources from emergency power provision towards maintenance, technological upgrades, expansion and employment.

Kuvarika said that for small and medium enterprises, the gains have been particularly significant.

Many cannot afford alternative energy systems and are disproportionately affected by interruptions.

“The improvement has reduced dependence on generators, lowered fuel and maintenance costs, extended productive operating hours and reduced the risk of losing stock, customers and production time,” she said.

Larger firms, she added, had also recorded significant gains from a more predictable supply.

“The wider effect is an improvement in productivity, competitiveness and confidence across industry,” she said.

However, Kuvarika warned that businesses need more than temporary stability to make long-term commitments.

“Businesses require more than temporary stability; they need sufficient confidence in future supply to make long-term investment and production commitments,” she said.

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