The Government of Zimbabwe is advancing its ambitious ‘dam economy’ model—a five-pillar strategy that transforms dam construction into a driver of irrigation, clean water access, fisheries, energy generation, and job creation. Current priorities include the Kunzi and Gwayi-Shangani Dams, both poised to unlock rural development and support the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
Sharleen Mohammed
The Government of Zimbabwe is ushering in a new era of integrated infrastructure development through its ambitious ‘dam economy’ model — a five-pronged strategy that transforms dam construction into a catalyst for rural and urban economic revival.
Speaking on the progress of ongoing dam projects, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said this year’s focus is on Kunzi Dam in Goromonzi and Gwayi-Shangani Dam, both earmarked as multipurpose hubs for irrigation, fisheries, energy generation, clean water supply, and job creation.
“The dam economy is not just about building a wall to hold water,” said Professor Jiri. “It involves five pillars — the dam structure, irrigation development, fisheries, hydroelectric power, and water reticulation for domestic use. All these components are being integrated from day one.”
Kunzi Dam, now 60% complete, is on track to begin water impediment by year-end. Once operational, it is expected to significantly ease Harare’s chronic water shortages and also irrigate surrounding agricultural land in Goromonzi District, opening up opportunities for commercial cropping and fisheries.
“This is more than a dam. It’s a solution to water problems in Harare, and an engine for rural transformation in surrounding communities,” Jiri explained.
As Zimbabwe accelerates investment in dam infrastructure, the government is positioning the ‘dam economy’ as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 agenda — linking water security, food systems, and energy development into one unified national strategy.
