Zimbabwe Celebrates 115 Days With No Load Shedding
Zimbabwe has recorded over 115 consecutive days without load shedding, marking a major shift in the country’s power supply stability following years of persistent blackouts that affected households and industry alike.
The milestone, confirmed on April 21, 2026, highlights a sustained improvement in electricity availability across the country, with authorities pointing to a mix of increased generation, policy reforms and regional imports as key drivers behind the turnaround.
Power Stability Attributed To Policy And Investment
Speaking at a recent business conference in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) acting managing director, Engineer Howard Choga, outlined the factors behind the uninterrupted power supply.
He stressed that a coordinated approach involving government policy and private sector participation had helped stabilise the grid.
“I am sure that industry and commerce, as well as agriculture, domestic, all have sufficient energy to contribute to the economic activities that we just see Zimbabwe progress to meet the objectives of our vision,” said Eng Choga.
He added that the Zimbabwe Energy Compact was central to the progress, guiding long-term investment into the sector.
“We are guided by different policies, but primarily by the energy compact, which positions us to unlock around US$9 billion (approximately R166.5 billion) in investment into the sector,” he said.
According to Eng Choga, the utility is now targeting the connection of nearly three million new customers by 2030.
Captive Power And Regional Imports Boost Supply
ZETDC credited private-sector-led captive power generation, particularly in the ferrochrome industry, as a major contributor to improved supply.
Eng Choga revealed that more than half of the country’s 14 ferrochrome smelters are implementing power projects.
“The tariff structure allows them to give us some energy when their plants are commissioned instead of paying in cash. That is the arrangement currently in place,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
“We are interconnected with other countries in the region for grid stability and trade of excess capacity. This has allowed us to buy power when demand is high,” he said.
Renewable energy is also contributing to the grid, with rooftop solar systems and net-metering projects producing just under 90 megawatts.
“People may underestimate small-scale systems at household level, but collectively they are now making a meaningful contribution to the grid,” Eng Choga explained.
Mixed Reactions As Zimbabweans Question Claims
While authorities celebrate the milestone, social media platforms have been flooded with mixed reactions from Zimbabweans, with many questioning whether the experience reflects realities on the ground.
Some users expressed scepticism about the claim of uninterrupted supply.
Victor Chiveruka said, “Maybe only in Harare, kuChiredzi anoenda almost every day (in Chiredzi it goes almost every day).”
Candy Thornicroft wrote, “We get power cuts every week in Harare.”
Verlaura Narsi Jackson added, “I get power cuts every day in Gweru. Every single day!!”
Others openly dismissed the announcement.
Aaron Mumba said, “Kkkkkkkkkkkkkk… is that news worth celebrating… 46 years after independence.”
Brighton Chibodo commented, “Kkkkk what a joke.”
David Small said, “What rubbish.”
Some questioned whether the development should even make headlines.
Agnes Pasipamire wrote, “Yotoita top story nhai imi hamunyareee (You make this a top story, aren’t you ashamed).”
Tonde Mhike asked, “How is this news though?”
However, a number of users welcomed the development and urged authorities to maintain the momentum.
Lawrence Mahachi said, “Good work.”
Paidamoyo Elle Nhembera added, “Well done Zesa.”
Lilian Ncube Nyamudeza wrote, “Bulawayo we are good… ngazviende mberi (let it continue).”
Others expressed cautious optimism.
Prudence Bae said, “Dai zvikaramba zvakadaro (If only it continues like this).”
Despite the milestone, concerns remain around the consistency of supply across different regions, with some users insisting that outages are still frequent in their areas.
The post Zimbabwe Celebrates 115 Days Without Load Shedding As Mixed Reactions Emerge appeared first on iHarare News.
