In a strategic move that could reshape Zimbabwe’s energy landscape, the country is set to begin its journey into commercial gas production following a confirmed discovery by Australia-based Invictus Energy. 

The Mukuyu gas field, located in the Cabora Bassa basin, has been officially declared a commercial discovery, setting the stage for Zimbabwe to emerge as a significant player in Africa’s natural gas industry.

This milestone ushers in a new era for the southern African nation, which has long grappled with power shortages. With regulatory approval secured, Invictus Energy is preparing for pilot production activities that will initially channel gas toward powering the Eureka Gold Mine through a gas-to-power project. This initiative is expected to ease the country’s electricity supply constraints while laying the foundation for broader industrial use.

“The Cabora Bassa project is a flagship example of how new resources can power economic growth while supporting cleaner energy solutions,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. 

Building on its early success, Invictus Energy is set to drill the Musuma-1 well, a new prospect outside the Mukuyu zone, with targets of 1.2 trillion cubic feet of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate. The move is part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s upstream gas footprint in a region with untapped geological promise.

Scott Macmillan, founder and managing director of Invictus Energy, will present insights into the project’s trajectory at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, to be held from 29 September to 3 October in Cape Town, South Africa.