Published: 13 hours ago

ZESA Enterprises (Zent), a subsidiary of Zesa Holdings, has set an ambitious target to manufacture 10 000 transformers annually, a sharp increase from just 600 units in 2021 and its current output of about 3 000.

The move is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe's industrialisation and modernisation agenda by expanding local energy infrastructure, reducing reliance on imports, creating jobs and fostering technology transfer.

Transformers are vital in ensuring reliable electricity supply for industrial operations, businesses and households, as they step up voltage for transmission and step it down for safe distribution. Without adequate transformers, the country risks transmission bottlenecks that disrupt economic activity.

Zent managing director, Dr Godfrey Mugaviri, said the production scale-up is already bearing fruit.

"Zent has increased production from 600 transformers per year in 2021 to between 2 500 and 3 000 currently. With improved funding, we aim to reach 10 000 units annually. We are producing high-quality transformers with a 25-year warranty, compared to cheap imports that often fail within six months," he said.

The company is also pursuing partnerships with local firms to localise component manufacturing, a move projected to save millions in foreign currency and create skilled jobs. Zent is collaborating with local universities under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model to develop innovation and train technicians for the energy sector.

As part of its strategy, the firm is transitioning from copper to aluminium windings in transformers. Copper has been a target for thieves due to its high resale value, while aluminium is less attractive, making it a more sustainable alternative.

"We are moving away from copper because of vandalism. Aluminium is safer and still effective, though thieves may target transformer oil. By adopting aluminium, we are reducing theft-related losses and boosting sustainability," Dr Mugaviri explained.

Zent's expansion is also being supported by the Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize, which provides a steady supply of steel, a key input in transformer production.

Private sector players have welcomed the development. Intensive Energy Users Group (IEUG) chairperson, Mr Caleb Dengu, said heavy electricity users - including mining and manufacturing companies - rely on dependable transformers for uninterrupted supply.

"IEUG fully supports Zent's initiative to produce local transformers tailored to Zimbabwe's environment and serviceable by local technicians. We, however, expect pricing to be benchmarked against import parity," said Mr Dengu, who is also RioZim chairperson.

Government has invested heavily in generation projects such as Hwange Unit 7 and 8 and renewable energy schemes. However, transmission and distribution infrastructure - particularly transformers - remains critical to ensure generated power reaches end-users efficiently.

Zent's push towards 10 000 units annually marks a major step in securing Zimbabwe's energy future and supporting new investment in mining, manufacturing and infrastructure.
- The Herald

You might also want to read this

• Zesa employees steal US$3.8m in critical equipment
• ZESA to replace old prepaid electricity meters
• Zesa completes massive meter rollout project
• ZETDC official in court over tender documents
• ZETDC announces unplanned power outage
• Zimbabwe needs US$10 billion to fix power crisis
• Zesa to install cameras on transformers
• Harare plunged into darkness as Zesa switches off tower lights
• Zesa western region contract workers down tools
• Zesa rebundling begins