Zimbabwean economic news roundup: Qatar Airways to fly into Harare, Methane gas to power ZESA


"I have discussions with Qatar (and) they are coming. The only discussion is they are going to fly directly to Harare or they will pass through other countries in both directions," he said. "…but they are coming." – Daily News, Tuesday March 13,

The news comes as the same publication reports that Zimbabwe's efforts to resuscitate the operations at Air Zimbabwe are purely a moral motif as it has emerged government does not expect to make a profit from the business.

Transport minister Nicholas Goche yesterday told a joint parliamentary committee on transport and  state enterprises that despite government various initiatives to expunge the national airline’s $150 million debt to attract investors, it did not expect the business to turn profitable.

Methane electricity for Zimbabwe


The Zimbabwe Power Company requires at least $12 mln to drill 5 wells and start generating electricity from the coal bed methane gas deposits in Lupane. Zimbabwe has been struggling to tap its vast gas reserves, reportedly the largest in the region, owing to elusive investment capital.

Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma said an initial 5 wells would be drilled. The project involves drilling a series of wells as well as connecting them to generators. About 5 megawatts will be generated from each well – Herald, Tuesday March 13,

ZPC is also preparing to construct a 400-kilovolt transmission line from Hwane to Insukamini near Bulawayo at a cost of $1.7 bln – NewsDay, Tuesday March 13,

Investors short listed for the rehabilitation and expansion of the power generation plants in the country have been given 3 months to come up with proposals on how they intend to go about the project. Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma said Zesa has been given the green light to have the short listed bidders prepare their schemes. The proposals should contain detailed engineering designs and funding structures. The State Procurement Board short listed 11 investors bidding to finance the expansion of Kariba (hydro) and Hwange (thermal) power stations – Herald, Tuesday March 13,