Sustainable Energy and Infrastructure Development in Africa: A Systems Thinking and Critical Realism Approach to Zimbabwe’s Net-zero and Just Energy Transition

Abstract

This thesis explores sustainable engineering solutions for Zimbabwe's energy and infrastructure, employing critical realism, mixed-methods research, and systems thinking. A central hypothesis is that “through synergistically linking sustainable engineering solutions and strategic policy interventions, besides public-private partnerships cooperation, much can be done in Zimbabwe to improve energy resilience and sustainability”. In addition, the research found that investments in modern grid technology or regulatory incentives are crucial for removing barriers to the current levels of energy sustainability. Key findings include: • Grid Modernization and Renewable Energy Integration: Investments in smart grids and renewable sources can stabilise Zimbabwe’s energy sector. • Policy-Driven Incentives: Aligning regulations with international sustainability standards fosters investment in sustainable solutions. • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for financing large-scale energy projects. • Implementation Challenges: Existing sustainability policies face gaps in enforcement and funding, which impede progress. The study develops a conceptual model linking policy design to real-world implementation, validating the hypothesis. It concludes with recommendations for enhancing Zimbabwe’s energy resilience through smart grids, circular economy principles, and institutional capacity-building, providing a roadmap for long-term sustainability in Africa’s energy sector. The thesis concluded that these factors are the prerequisites for a just energy transition towards attaining net zero by 2050 for Zimbabwe. The thesis revealed that Africa faces significant challenges in sustainable energy and infrastructure development, particularly in Zimbabwe, which is hindered by an ageing power grid and limited renewable technology adoption.