Table of Contents
Key Points
- Grid Africa partners with Huawei to deliver 72 MW of solar power, addressing energy shortages in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
- The collaboration aims to cut operational costs and reduce reliance on Zimbabwe’s national grid, boosting mining sector resilience.
- The project is expected to create up to 3,744 jobs while promoting sustainability and operational efficiency in mining operations.
Grid Africa, a Johannesburg-based solar energy firm, led by Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur Norman Moyo, has struck a strategic deal with technology giant Huawei to deliver 72 megawatts (MW) of solar power to Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
This collaboration aims to mitigate crippling energy shortages that have caused an estimated $500 million loss in mining revenues due to frequent power outages.
The partnership is set to stabilize power for mining operations, cutting operational costs and reducing reliance on Zimbabwe’s strained national grid. The solar initiative is expected to boost mining output and improve the sector’s financial resilience.
Transforming Zimbabwe’s mining sector
This collaboration comes shortly after Grid Africa secured R50 million ($2.8 million) in funding from Rifuwo Energy Partners to expand solar projects across South Africa. With the latest financial backing, the firm is rapidly scaling its renewable energy footprint, with Zimbabwean mines next in line to benefit.
Norman Moyo, CEO of Grid Africa, emphasized the partnership's significance, stating, “This collaboration with Huawei is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s mining sector. By integrating solar solutions, we deliver sustainable energy that enhances efficiency and strengthens financial stability.”
Huawei’s President for Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa, Xia Hesheng, noted the project's focus on innovation and sustainability. “We are proud to partner with Grid Africa to empower Zimbabwe’s mining industry with clean, reliable energy, reflecting our commitment to fostering operational resilience and sustainable progress in the region.”
Beyond operational sustainability, the 72 MW solar project is also projected to create between 1,152 and 3,744 direct and indirect jobs while reducing the sector’s reliance on imported electricity and conserving foreign currency. Combining Huawei's advanced solar technology with Grid Africa’s market expertise promises immediate financial relief and operational resilience for Zimbabwe’s mining companies.
Norman Moyo leads Grid Africa's partnership with Huawei
Founded in 2015, Grid Africa is advancing renewable energy across the continent, focusing on solar technologies that boost efficiency and cut costs. Led by Norman Moyo, the company is known for reliable installations backed by service and maintenance packages.
Moyo, also CEO of Distributed Power Africa, has over 20 years of pan-African experience in sectors from telecoms to renewables, working in Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Under his leadership, Grid Africa offers flexible financing options, including 15-year power lease agreements that provide clients with immediate energy savings.
Huawei is a global leader in ICT infrastructure and smart devices, renowned for championing environmental sustainability through cutting-edge technology solutions. This landmark partnership between Grid Africa and Huawei not only addresses Zimbabwe’s energy crisis but also sets a new precedent for renewable energy initiatives across Africa, driving both financial and environmental sustainability in the mining sector.
