Puma Energy Zimbabwe to invest USD$30 million in renewable energy and infrastructure
By Lovejoy Mutongwiza
Puma Energy Zimbabwe, a leading fuel and energy company, has announced its plans to invest USD$30 million in the Zimbabwean market over the next three years, as part of its commitment to the country and its vision for a sustainable future.
The company, which has been operating in Zimbabwe for 10 years, will use the funds to expand its retail fuel network and storage facilities, as well as to introduce alternative energy solutions such as LPG gas and solar power. The company aims to meet the growing demand for fuel and energy in Zimbabwe, while also reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local talent and communities.
General Manager of Puma Energy Zimbabwe, Donatien Kodog, said that the company was confident about the future of Zimbabwe and its potential for growth and development. He said that the company was working closely with its industry partners and regulatory authorities to ensure a consistent and reliable supply chain in the country.
“We are extremely confident about the future of Puma Energy Zimbabwe. This is evident in our plans to invest USD$30 million in the country over the next three years to increase our storage capacity, open new service stations and introduce alternative energies such as LPG gas and solar solutions to the market,” he said. “We are also committed to working with our industry partners and relevant regulatory authorities on the consistency of supply in Zimbabwe.”
Puma Energy Zimbabwe currently operates storage facilities at international airports in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo, and is upgrading its infrastructure and expanding its capacity at its Harare facility. The company also operates over 100 service stations across the country, and plans to open more in strategic locations.
As part of its global sustainability strategy, Puma Energy is working towards a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2025, a 30% reduction by the end of 2032, and a net zero target by 2050. The company is drawing on its expertise gained from installing clean energy at 300 service stations worldwide, and is exploring renewable energy solutions for the Zimbabwean market.
Among its initiatives is a road safety programme that will be launched in early 2024 in Zimbabwe, targeting primary school children and educating them on how to be safe on the roads. The programme complements the company’s zero harm focus on third-party trucker training and the use of in-vehicle monitoring systems to track and monitor driver behaviour and prevent accidents. The company also conducts periodic fleet inspections, manages the age of the fleet, and implements rigorous preventive maintenance measures. At the retail level, the company ensures optimal operational standards through regular and systematic condition checks.
Puma Energy Zimbabwe is also committed to its people and its purpose of energising communities. The company has developed a long-term talent pipeline that focuses on youth graduates, offering them a one-year rotational learning programme across various business segments, and supporting them through its Learning Pathways programme. The company also supports the career growth of its employees, 99.5% of whom are local, through periodic capacity building workshops.
Other initiatives include the introduction of a new digitalised fleet card for efficient fuel purchase management, the roll out of LPG gas kiosks and lube bays, and the provision of diverse products and services to meet the needs of the market.
Puma Energy Zimbabwe’s planned investment builds on its existing investments in aviation, retail and storage infrastructure, and its 10-year legacy in Zimbabwe. The company is confident that its strategic partnerships and initiatives will elevate customer service, safety and convenience, and contribute to the economic and social development of the country.
