The Zimbabwean government has approved a public-private partnership project between ZESA Enterprises and China\'s Shanghai Jingdao Electric Company for the establishment of a manufacturing and assembly plant.
The proposed plant will manufacture switchgears, smart meters, and electric vehicle chargers.
In a statement, the government said the country faces a growing need for modern switchgears due to the expansion of the national grid, while old equipment is being phased out.
“The partnership will position the country as a switchgear supplier in the SADC region.
“Additionally, the availability of smart meters will enhance ZETDC’s efficiency in accurate billing, thereby boosting revenue collection, while the production of electric vehicle chargers aligns with global mobility trends,” the statement said.
“The partnership project will benefit the country through import substitution, foreign currency savings, job creation, technology transfer, enhanced energy supply, improved revenues for ZETDC, and the strengthening of stimulus to downstream sectors.”
Meanwhile, the government has also approved a review of licences, levies, permits, and fees in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.
“In the broadcasting sector, reviews will cover sub-sectors such as campus and community radio broadcasting; radio broadcasting (embracing free- to -air, provincial, local and commercial radio services); commercial television services; signal carrier services; and satellite broadcasting services.
“Reviews in the telecommunications sector will cover mobile network operators, fixed telephone operators, and internet service providers. government has noted that some fees and levies being charged in both the telecommunications and the broadcasting sectors are on the higher side, thereby imposing a significant cost and burden on telecommunications and broadcasting operators,” the statement said.
According to the government, the review of licences, levies, permits, and fees in the two sectors is a deliberate initiative to review taxes in order to reduce the cost of data and voice calls for businesses and the general public, while at the same time ensuring sustainable revenue streams for the fiscus.
“Government will also streamline duplicative and overlapping licences and permits, with further refinement and consultations by the Ministries of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services. Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, and Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, before final approval by Cabinet.”
