Zimbabwe Utilises Only 10% Of 10,600 Dams

Rutendo Mazhindu

ZimNow Reporter

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka said Zimbabwe is working on bold public-private partnerships (PPPs) to unlock the potential of its water resources, as only a fraction of the country’s 10,600 dams are being used.

Speaking at the Africa Water Investment Summit in South Africa, Dr. Masuka said the country is determined to turn its underutilised infrastructure into bankable projects that can transform the economy and boost water security across Africa.

“Africa’s gap isn’t ideas, it’s the capacity to turn them into bankable investments,” said Dr. Masuka.

“Zimbabwe has 10,600 dams but only 10 percent are used. We’re changing that via bold PPPs join us.”

He revealed that the Government has already lined up four high-impact PPP projects aimed at ensuring sustainable water utilisation. “The projects are bankable. The time is now,” Dr. Masuka said.

The Minister emphasised that Zimbabwe was putting water projects on the global stage through platforms such as the G20 Water Summit.

“We are ready. Transforming Zimbabwe and boosting Africa’s water security requires immediate action, and we are committed to it,” he added.

The Africa Water Investment Summit, which brings together governments, investors, and development partners, is focusing on bridging Africa’s financing gap for water infrastructure through innovative investment models.