Sinohydro Corporation is a Chinese state-owned enterprise specializing in hydropower, infrastructure construction, and civil engineering. It operates as part of PowerChina. The company’s expertise covers water conservancy, hydropower engineering, power station construction, large-scale infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports, buildings), as well as financing, design, consulting, and maintenance. Sinohydro has an extensive international footprint with projects across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Sinohydro in Zimbabwe: Key Facts & Projects
Presence & Local Office

Sinohydro maintains a registered office in Harare, Zimbabwe, and is recognized in local construction and infrastructure directories.

Major Projects

Hwange Power Station Expansion (Units 7 & 8)

Contracted to expand the Hwange thermal power station by adding two new units with a combined capacity of about 600 MW.

Unit 7 is already in service, and Unit 8 recently underwent testing.

This project is expected to significantly ease Zimbabwe’s chronic load shedding.

Kariba South Hydropower Expansion

Completed an expansion of the Kariba South hydro plant between 2014 and 2018.

Added two 150 MW turbines, boosting overall capacity and supporting national grid stability.

Sewage Treatment & Sanitation Projects in Harare

Signed a multi-million-dollar agreement to construct and rehabilitate sewage treatment plants in Harare.

Work included expansion of Crowborough, Lyndhurst, Gwebi, Budiriro, and rehabilitation of Firle, along with new pipelines.

Other Infrastructure Engagements

Actively participates in Zimbabwe’s broader power restoration and infrastructure upgrade efforts.

Its role is positioned as critical in filling gaps created by limited Western investment.

Challenges and Criticisms

Labor Practices: The company has faced scrutiny for alleged violations of labor laws in Zimbabwe, including claims of unfair salary deductions and lack of proper disciplinary processes.

Contract Terms: In some projects, Sinohydro secured a share of dividends from operations, raising debate over the balance of benefit between Zimbabwe and the contractor.

Public Scrutiny: Its dominance in energy and infrastructure makes it a target for concerns over transparency, governance, and fair competition.

Strengths

Technical and financial capacity unmatched by many local firms.

State backing from China, often linked with favorable financing terms.

Successful track record in flagship projects like Hwange and Kariba.

Ability to provide integrated services from design and finance to operation and maintenance.

Limitations & Risks

Labor tensions could create reputational and legal issues.

Heavy reliance on government contracts exposes the company to political and economic risks.

Questions remain around transparency, governance, and long-term local skills transfer.

Strategic Importance in Zimbabwe

Sinohydro is central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda, particularly in:

Addressing power shortages through hydro and thermal projects.

Upgrading critical sanitation and water infrastructure.

Supporting Zimbabwe’s “Look East” policy by providing infrastructure investment when Western support is limited.