Source: ZENT ramps up transformer exports – herald
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
ZESA Enterprises (ZENT), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, is on a strong growth trajectory in transformer production, having sold 800 units to Zambia and 117 to Rwanda.
Acting managing director Dr Godfrey Mugaviri shared these developments in a presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development last week.
The company has ramped up its production, increasing from 1 297 transformers last year to 1 940 this year, signalling a robust capacity to expand its reach within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“We have exported 800 to Zambia and we are delivering 117 to Rwanda, and also looking at other countries that include Lesotho, Mozambique and the DRC,” said Dr Mugaviri.
During the portfolio committee’s visit aimed at assessing the company’s production facilities in Harare, Dr Mugaviri said, while they were doing well, there were some significant challenges that have to be resolved.
“This meeting was quite essential because we demonstrated to Honourable Members of Parliament that this company has got the capacity to transform the entire electricity sector in Zimbabwe,” he said.
However, he cautioned that outdated equipment, some over 70 years old, creates inefficiencies and raises production costs.
“The type of machines that we are using currently are very old, which then brings in a lot of inefficient bottlenecks,” he explained, advocating for a capital injection to modernise their operations.
Further, Dr Mugaviri urged legislators to support a ban on the importation of cheap transformers that distort the local market, which he believes could bolster local manufacturing efforts.
His calls for support resonated with members of the committee, particularly Chairperson Mr Charlton Hwende, who praised ZESA Enterprises as one of the best-performing public entities in the country. “We were here at ZENT, where we came to check on the operations that they are involved in,” Mr Hwende said.
“As you can see, I think ZENT is one of the best-performing public entities. They have increased the manufacturing of transformers from as low as 285, which they were doing around 2021, to the present 2 000 plus transformers, and they have the capacity; they are operating at 85 percent capacity.
“So, with more resources, I am sure they can do wonders.”
The implications of this growth for ZESA Enterprises and Zimbabwe are profound.
Increased transformer production not only enhances the electricity sector’s capacity, but also helps reduce reliance on imported components, creating a more self-sufficient energy landscape.
By expanding its market reach and modernising production facilities, ZESA Enterprises presents a compelling case for economic reinvigoration in Zimbabwe.
The growth can lead to job creation, improved domestic infrastructure and ultimately a more stable electricity supply, thereby contributing to the national goal of economic development and sustainability.
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