Zimbabwe's national energy policy challenges: The case of energy sector utilities

Abstract

This research focused on national energy policy implementation challenges in Zimbabwe. The government started this programme in 1998 and the most recent amendment for this policy was done in 2012. Over the years Zimbabwe’s National Energy Policy failed to bring the desired results. Presently, the nation continues to suffer from this failed policy as it faces a lot of problems emanating from the energy crisis: load shedding, blackouts, reduced industrial production, deforestation, etc., to mention just a few.

The study explored energy challenges in Europe, the Western World, Asia and Africa before crystallising the problem in Zimbabwe. There were differences in the nature of the challenges mainly because of geographical location, energy resources and the growth and state of the economies. A qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews was used to gather data.

In Zimbabwe, results showed that the bedrock of the energy crisis is funding. Institutional barriers, government policies, regulations, company structures infrastructure, corporate governance, human resources, shortage of skills, and remuneration are all at the core of these barriers. The research concluded by offering policy; managerial; and methodological recommendations to this body of knowledge.