Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
A wave of optimism is sweeping through Mashonaland Central as major resource discoveries position the province to become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s energy independence and economic growth.
The catalyst is the landmark Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery in the Muzarabani basin, confirmed by Invictus Energy after extensive exploration.
The project entered a decisive new phase last year with the signing of a consolidated Production and Profit-Sharing Agreement (PPSA) between the Government and the energy firm.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, hailed the development as a transformative milestone.
“The discoveries excite us as a province. We are hopeful the benefits from exploration and the subsequent employment creation will see our population thrive,” Minister Magomo said during the Office of the President and Cabinet Strategic workshop for Mashonaland Central that is being held in Kariba.
The agreement establishes a clear framework for revenue sharing and grants the Government, through the Sovereign Wealth Fund, a 10 percent equity stake during exploration.
“This positions us as the backbone of the country’s future oil and gas requirements,” Minister Magomo added, citing estimates of up to 300 million barrels of oil.
The project is expected to drastically reduce Zimbabwe’s reliance on fuel imports, create hundreds of direct jobs and stimulate the growth of downstream industries. Invictus Energy is already planning its next step – the Masomo One well – to target additional gas prospects east of the Mukuyu site.
Beyond hydrocarbons, the province is also shining in the mining sector, with the Minister reporting a dramatic surge in gold production, from 2 500 kilogrammes in 2020 to around 4 500 kilograms in 2025.
“This growth is fuelled by a revived investor climate,” Magomo explained, pointing to the resuscitation of Ran Mine in Bindura, the revival of Shamva Gold Mine, and new ventures like the Magaya Mining Syndicate in Mazowe.
The strategic workshop, which concludes today, has provided provincial leadership an opportunity to align these developments with national goals.
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