Story by Abigirl Tembo
TAJIKISTAN – ZIMBABWE continues to explore innovative pathways, including partnerships, to strengthen its energy security, with particular focus on renewable energy.
As the country intensifies its search for sustainable energy solutions, attention has turned to Tajikistan’s Rogun Hydropower Project, a towering example of renewable innovation that could hold key lessons for powering the nation’s future.
The Vice President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, visited the project in Tajikistan, an engineering marvel nestled in the Pamir Mountains on the Vakhsh River.
The project, once completed, is expected to generate over 3 600 megawatts of electricity, putting Tajikistan among the global leaders in renewable hydropower.
The visit formed part of a broader government initiative to explore viable, climate-resilient energy solutions for Zimbabwe, which has in recent years faced electricity shortages caused by drought and aging infrastructure.
Accompanied by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo, as well as engineers and technical experts from the energy and local government sectors, the Vice President toured the facility’s control systems, dam walls, and turbine installations.
The delegation also held strategic discussions with Tajik energy officials and project engineers to better understand the scope, challenges, and success factors behind the multi-billion-dollar project.
“This project tells a compelling story. Their dam is expected to be fully operational by 2031. We have learnt a lot, from how they have selected the best global equipment suppliers, to how they have empowered local professionals. Out of 18 000 workers on-site, only 1 400 are expatriates, and some of those are Zimbabwean engineers. This knowledge and experience can be replicated back home,” Vice President Chiwenga said.
He noted that energy is the backbone of economic development, and that Zimbabwe must urgently harness its natural resources to build modern, green infrastructure that benefits both local communities and the national economy.
Once complete, the dam is expected to significantly contribute to Tajikistan’s national grid, meeting domestic electricity needs while also enabling power exports to neighbouring countries, a forward-looking model that Zimbabwe views as both visionary and adaptable to its own energy ambitions.
Today’s visit to the Rogun Hydropower Project offered a glimpse into what is possible with vision, cooperation, and investment in green infrastructure.
