Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Zim, Zambia turn up for energy pact -Newsday Zimbabwe

LEADING corporates and energy sector stakeholders from Zimbabwe and Zambia converged in Harare for the Energy Forum for Africa (EFA) networking event, in a bid to forge stronger partnerships aimed at closing southern Africa’s energy gap.

The high-level gathering brought together government officials, private sector leaders, energy consultants, financiers and independent power producers to explore innovative solutions for sustainable energy development in the region.

The meeting, organised by Zambian engineer Hope Chanda, was building momentum towards the main EFA conference set for Lusaka next month.

The event focused on enhancing synergies between independent power producers, government agencies, financial institutions and consultants.

Director of policy and planning in the Energy and Power Development ministry, Benson Munyaradzi, said Zimbabwe was actively engaging financiers, developers and technology innovators to co-create solutions from large-scale solar farms to mini-grid expansion.

“We have recently developed the National Energy Compact, a strategic roadmap designed to ensure affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for all citizens by 2030. Some of the compact targets are to electrify 3,1 million households, whereby we are providing universal access to electricity,” he said.

“We want to achieve 70% clean working access, thereby reducing dependence on traditional fuels like firewood and other renewable resources.

“This initiative aligns with the Mission 300 objective, which seeks to increase electricity access across Africa by 2030, and was launched in Dar es Salaam in January 2025 by African principal States.

“The compact also supports Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and national development strategies, addressing critical energy challenges such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to electricity in rural areas.”

The event also featured a partnership with EFA announcement by Absolom and Shepherd Attorneys, which emphasised the importance of legal and strategic alliances in unlocking the energy sector’s potential.

Managing partner Shepherd Machigere said collaboration across sectors was essential to overcoming Africa’s energy challenges.

Chanda expressed optimism about the future of the region’s energy sector, saying the collaboration and enthusiasm witnessed during the forum reaffirmed that “we are on the right path.”

“The collaboration and enthusiasm we have witnessed today reaffirm that we are on the right path,” she said.

“Our goal is to create a sustainable energy future for Africa, one where we can all share resources, expertise, and investments to overcome the challenges that hinder growth. This event marks an important step forward in achieving that vision.”

 

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Source: Internet suppliers take dispute to the High Court…as court grants Powertel application for arbitrator -Newsday Zimbabwe

POWERTEL Communications has successfully filed an application seeking to appoint an arbitrator in its dispute with Dandemutande Investments after the termination of an internet supply agreement.

Powertel had approached the High Court seeking an order to appoint an arbitrator to preside over the dispute with Dandemutande following their failure to agree on the appointment.

According to  court papers, in 2010, the parties entered into an Internet Capacity Purchase Agreement and sometime in 2017, a dispute arose between the parties, emanating from Powertel’s decision to terminate the agreement.

In 2018, the parties agreed to appoint retired judge Justice Vernanda Ziyambi as the arbitrator to preside over the dispute with Dandemutande as the claimant.

However, the arbitration process did not materialise as Dandemutande failed to file its claim.

In 2019, the arbitrator communicated to the parties, indicating that it had been over a year since documents were to be filed, adding that the impression was that the matter had been abandoned.

Justice Ziyambi then indicated that she would be unavailable due to other engagements.

In 2023, Powertel sought appointment of a new arbitrator from the Commercial Arbitration Centre and with one Whatman being appointed.

Dandemutande objected to this appointment, arguing that Powertel had violated clause 27 of their agreement by unilaterally seeking the appointment of the arbitrator.

Whatman upheld the objection, and a final award was issued by consent, terminating those proceedings on the basis that the matter was not properly before the arbitrator.

Powertel argued that the parties failed to reach a consensus, necessitating a court application.

However, Dandemutande argued that Powertel’s claim was a debt and that, in terms of the Prescription Act, that claim had prescribed because more than three years had elapsed from the time the parties failed to agree on an arbitrator, the application was filed in 2024.

In response, Powertel argued that a preliminary point can only be raised before an arbitrator seized with the main dispute between the parties.

It also argued that the court had not filed its claim against Dandemutande, but was seeking recourse in terms of Article 11(4) of the Arbitration Act.

Powertel’s claim against Dandemutande, which is the basis of the dispute between them, concerns the alleged failure by Dandemutande to settle a debt due in terms of an agreement.

Justice Maxwell Takuva said the court was not seized with that particular claim or the dispute between the parties, but the appointment of an arbitrator to preside over their dispute.

The judge said a preliminary point of law was one that, if properly taken in an application or action, is capable of disposing of a matter without the need for the court to delve into the merits of the matter.

Powertel had sought the appointment of a sole arbitrator by the court on the recommendation of the chairman of the Commercial Arbitration Centre in Harare.

Dandemutande, however, contended that such a procedure deprives it of an opportunity to challenge the credentials of the arbitrator.

It argued that, therefore, the relief sought is not competent because it arrogates powers to recommend an arbitrator to the Commercial Arbitration Centre, violating the procedure laid down by statute.

In response, Powertel submitted that the mentioning of the Commercial Arbitration Centre in the draft order was just a recommendation and not a directive to the court.

The judge said the Commercial Arbitration Centre was a recognised dispute resolution institution in Zimbabwe, offering arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution services.

The judge said that did not prejudice Dandemutande in any way because Powertel did not propose a specific arbitrator.

“In any event, as already indicated, the court retains the discretion on who to appoint as the arbitrator. It is important to highlight that such discretion is exercised judiciously, paying attention to the qualifications, impartiality and independence of the arbitrator.

“The court also considers the non-appealability of its decision in such situations as indicated by article 11(5) of the Act. Hence, there being no prejudice to the respondent, the preliminary point lacks merit,” Justice Takuva said.

He said the provision entailed that any dispute arising between the parties about their agreement should be presided over by three arbitrators.

“Each party appoints one arbitrator and the two arbitrators appointed by the parties shall then jointly select a third arbitrator. That third arbitrator will be the chairman of the arbitration tribunal to preside over the dispute.

“If the two arbitrators appointed by the parties fail to agree on a third arbitrator, such third arbitrator will be appointed by the chairman of the Commercial Arbitration Centre in Harare.

“Therefore, for a three-panel arbitration tribunal to ensue, both parties should have co-operated in appointing the first two arbitrators.”

Justice Takuva dismissed Dandemutande’s preliminary points and granted the application for the appointment of the arbitrator.

The court ordered the chairman of the Arbitration Centre in Harare to appoint a suitable arbitrator to preside over the parties’ dispute.

 

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Source: Mnangagwa moves on soldiers’ welfare –Newsday Zimbabwe

 

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that the Defence Forces Service Commission is seized with the rationalisation of the inter-rank salary differentials as his administration moves to improve the welfare of members.

Speaking during the Defence Day commemorations in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said his administration was working around the clock to improve the welfare of serving members of the Zimbabwe Defence Force.

“Government’s improvement of the conditions of service for members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is ongoing. The Defence Forces Service Commission is engaged in a process to rationalise the inter-rank salary differentials. This is being done in tandem with efforts to finalise implementation of the Military Salary Concept,” Mnangagwa said.

He said the government was accelerating the completion of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Referral Hospital at Manyame Air Base to cater for ZDF members.

“Refurbishment, upgrading and modernisation projects of other medical facilities in cantonment areas, throughout the country, are being supported and speeded up.

“Innovative financing models employed by government are resolving the perennial shortage of institutional accommodation for serving members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” Mnangagwa said.

He said the government prioritised the need to address transport challenges besetting the defence forces.

“A phased programme is in place to add an assortment of vehicles for various ZDF operational requirements, including a fleet of buses to transport members,” Mnangagwa said.

He challenged the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to continue sharpening their capabilities in the face of a wide range of challenges relating to economic instability, climate change, cyber-attacks, pandemics and terrorism.

Mnangagwa said fast-paced and multi-pronged global developments required the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to go beyond the traditional role of defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity from external military threats.

He applauded various initiatives being undertaken by ZDF to provide military aid to civil power, including activities with regard to border control and the combating of drug and substance abuse.

“The role of ZDF in addressing climate change and disaster preparedness is worth commendation. During the last rainy season, the involvement of our forces in search and rescue operations to assist villagers affected by floods brought speedy relief to affected communities,” Mnangagwa said.

“The logistical support in the air lifting of stranded persons, as well as the distribution of grain to affected communities, ensures that no individual or family dies from hunger.”

He said Zimbabwe, as an independent and sovereign country, would never sacrifice its legitimate rights and interests or “our peace and security”.

Mnangagwa underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to national, regional and continental peace, as well as to a peaceful international order, anchored on equality of nations. Such a commitment remains unshakeable, he said.

“We continue to work for the peaceful resolution to international disputes and to support Sadc, African Union and United Nations initiatives, in this regard.”

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Source: Bulawayo man shot in armed robbery -Newsday Zimbabwe

A 33-YEAR-OLD man from Pelandaba West in Bulawayo was shot and wounded by three unidentified assailants in robbery on Sunday evening outside a popular food outlet in the central business district.

 The robbers got away with thousands in cash.

Bulawayo province police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the incident occurred at about 6pm at the corner of Fife Street and 12th Avenue, a busy intersection often replete with pedestrians and vehicles.

“The victim, whose name has not been released, had parked his white Nissan Note while waiting for an order from the eatery,” Msebele said.

She said after placing his order, he returned to the vehicle and the three suspects approached him.

“One of the suspects, armed with a pistol, tried unsuccessfully to open the driver’s door, which was locked from inside,” Msebele added that the robbers used an unknown object to smash the driver’s side window.

“In the chaos that followed, the armed suspect fired four shots directly at the complainant. One bullet struck him in the palm of his right hand, causing him to abandon the vehicle in a desperate bid to escape further harm,” she said.

Msebele said the victim left behind a black bag containing US$4 000 and 60 000 rand, which the robbers swiftly grabbed before calmly walking away from the scene.

“The injured man made his way to ZRP Bulawayo Central, where he filed a report before being taken to hospital for medical examination and treatment. Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large,” she said.

“This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that members of the public should avoid carrying large amounts of cash unnecessarily. Criminals are often on the lookout for such opportunities.”

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Source: Govt says to prioritise IPP power framework – herald

Nelson Gahadza

Zimpapers Business Hub

The Government will next year launch a competitive Independent Power Producer (IPP) procurement framework to transform the energy sector, boost investment and improve energy security in the country.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the initiative was designed to enhance the energy market and encourage both domestic and international investment through a more liberalised and transparent approach.

“The new framework will be underpinned by several key measures, including the facilitation by the Government to ensure that all IPP procurement processes are open and competitive, with clear and transparent guidelines for participation.

“This is aimed at attracting reputable investors and fostering innovation in power generation,” he said in the 2026 strategy paper.

Over the years, IPPs in Zimbabwe have been struggling to attract significant private investment due to a combination of structural and regulatory challenges.

The country’s current available generation capacity is approximately 1 500 megawatts (MW) against a national demand of around 2 2000MW, especially in winter.

The shortfall is set to worsen significantly, as demand is projected to surpass 5 177MW by 2030, driven primarily by expansion in the energy-intensive mining, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

As the power demand grows, the Government is, however, not resting on its laurels and has been pursuing various initiatives to promote investment in energy production to increase domestic generation capacity.

Minister Ncube said the Government, in collaboration with key energy stakeholders, would strengthen the independence and capacity of regulatory agencies to ensure fair treatment of all market participants.

“Streamlined regulatory and permitting processes are expected to reduce delays and uncertainties for new projects, while a dedicated IPP procurement office will coordinate all related activities and stakeholder engagement,” he said.

Analyst Tanaka Mapfumo said the plan to launch a competitive IPPs framework in 2026 promotes a diversified energy mix, prioritising investments in renewable energy sources like solar and hydro, which can reduce dependence on a single energy source and mitigate climate change risks.

“The framework will attract reputable investors and foster innovation in power generation, which could lead to an increase in energy production and help bridge the current deficit,” she said.

She noted that Zimbabwe’s energy sector has struggled to attract significant private investment due to structural and regulatory challenges; hence, the new framework will need to address these issues to succeed.

“The plan relies heavily on private sector investment, which can be unpredictable and subject to various risks, including policy and regulatory risks.

“As a result, the successful implementation of the plan will require effective coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players and regulatory bodies,” said Ms Mapfumo.

In addition, Minister Ncube said the Government would continue to scale up investments in the energy sector to meet rising energy needs through the implementation of new projects and the maintenance and upgrading of existing obsolete facilities.

He said achieving energy self-sufficiency required a stable, transparent and adaptive regulatory environment; hence, the Government would continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks to provide investor clarity and attract long-term capital, including through PPPs and innovative financing mechanisms.

“Institutional reforms will also focus on enhancing market efficiency, supporting transparent procurement and de-risking private sector investment.

The finance minister also highlighted that the country will continue to leverage regional power pools and cross-border interconnections to improve energy security and optimise resource utilisation.

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