A high-powered delegation from the Tanzania National Services and the Tanzanian Embassy in Zimbabwe, led by Her Excellency Ambassador Susan Kaganda, visited our facility in Pomona, Harare.
The recent visit was part of a “look-and-learn” mission aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration in waste-to-energy projects across Southern Africa.
The delegation’s arrival at Geo Pomona was marked by optimism and a shared vision for sustainable development.
The site, which has become a flagship project in Zimbabwe’s waste management and energy innovation sector, is currently preparing to launch a waste-to-energy plant that will convert municipal waste into electricity for the national grid.
Building Bridges Through Innovation
Our CEO and Executive Chairman Dr. Dilesh Nguwaya welcomed the Tanzanian delegation, underscoring the importance of regional partnerships in tackling energy challenges.
“Last year, I was here when the project was still at the beginning of construction. But today, I’m seeing great progress. The concept of changing from waste to wealth is here being observed,” she said.
She noted the dramatic increase in employment at the site.
“When I came, the number of workers here was minimal. But today, I’m seeing more than a thousand workers. So, job creation is found here. The economy will grow, but people’s lives will also flourish.”
Kaganda highlighted the broader regional significance of the project, stressing that Zimbabwe’s innovation could inspire similar initiatives across Southern Africa.
“I’m appreciating what Geo Pomona is doing. And we’re eager to see that Harare in Zimbabwe is growing more. But not only for Zimbabwe, it’s growing for our region.”
From Liberation Solidarity to Economic Cooperation
The Ambassador also reflected on the historical ties between Tanzania and Zimbabwe, noting that the relationship is evolving from political solidarity to economic and technological collaboration.
“Tanzania and Zimbabwe, we are fond brothers from a long time, since the liberation time. Now we are seeing that we want to move more in skills and technology. Our way of collaboration is moving from political to economic,” she remarked.
She emphasized the importance of pushing forward for the betterment of communities in both countries.
“We should also be eager to see how we push ourselves for the betterment of our communities, both in Zimbabwe and Tanzania.”
Waste-to-Energy: A Regional Game-Changer
Our project represents a significant step in addressing two pressing challenges: waste management and energy shortages. By converting waste into electricity, Zimbabwe aims to reduce landfill pollution while simultaneously boosting power supply.
The project is expected to feed electricity into the national grid, helping to stabilize energy availability in Harare and beyond.
For Tanzania, the visit provided an opportunity to study Zimbabwe’s model and consider how similar projects could be implemented back home.
With rapid urbanization and growing energy demands, waste-to-energy solutions could play a pivotal role in Tanzania’s future energy mix.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond energy generation, the Geo Pomona project has already demonstrated its potential to transform local economies.
The site has created over 1,000 jobs, ranging from technicians to construction workers, offering livelihoods to many families in Harare. Ambassador Kaganda noted that such job creation is vital for regional growth.
“The economy will grow, but people’s lives will also flourish because of this project,” she said.
Dr. Nguwaya echoed this sentiment, stressing that the project is not just about technology but also about people.
“It shows Geo Pomona are ready to partner with them so that we make changes in Southern Africa in terms of power management,” he said.
The Road Ahead
The visit by the Tanzanian delegation is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
The Geo Pomona project has become more than a local initiative; as the Tanzania delegation’s visit highlights the growing recognition that sustainable energy solutions are essential for Africa’s future.
With Zimbabwe taking bold steps in waste-to-energy, and Tanzania eager to learn and collaborate, the stage is set for a new era of partnership.
“This visit was to strengthen the relationship between Zimbabwe and the Government of Tanzania. It’s our duty as business people to make sure those relationships are strengthened by doing business together,” Dr. Nguwaya said.
He explained that the waste-to-energy project is nearing a critical milestone.
“We are now in a finalisation agreement with our EPC contractor. Soon, we’ll start construction of our waste-to-energy plant so that we generate electricity which is going to feed the national grid. To make sure every city has electricity,” Dr Nguwaya emphasized that this was not the first engagement with Tanzanian officials.
Ambassador Kaganda had previously visited the site in 2024, when construction was still in its early stages.
Her return, accompanied by a full delegation, signals Tanzania’s growing interest in replicating Zimbabwe’s model of turning waste into wealth.
