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In today’s rapidly evolving climate and economic landscape, water and energy projects are central to resilient infrastructure. However, the sector’s growth is challenged by aging systems, high capital costs, and the need for technical capacity. Despite all, opportunities abound exist in green energy, smart water management, and off-grid innovations.
A seasoned professional driving change in Zimbabwe’s energy sector is Eng Gloria Gawe Bususu. Armed with over 13 years of industry experience, her journey began at Renco Mine before joining the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) as a graduate trainee. Gloria served as a Research and Specifications Engineer, where she was responsible for product research, technical specifications, and project management until 2021.
Meanwhile, Gloria also Co-Founded Gloer Investments, a company specializing in renewable energy provision and water provision. As the Managing Director of Gloer Investments, Gloria has overseen high-impact projects, including a landmark 45KW solar installations for the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority.
Take us through the formative years of your life and key influences that impacted your professional journey.
I can rightly say that my upbringing laid the foundation for my business mindset. My business journey began in childhood, inspired by my mother’s resilience and problem-solving mindset. My mother’s work ethic has shaped my path. From selling products during school years to studying at the University of Zimbabwe, the drive to run my own business remained constant. Even while working at the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), I stayed focused on entrepreneurship.
Continuous learning is the compass that guides my leadership and decision-making
Professionally, I am inspired by Strive Masiyiwa for his innovative leadership in telecoms, Divine Ndhlukula for her pioneering role in security, and Precious Nyika for her impressive trajectory in executive leadership.
Introduce us to Gloer Investments and the company’s growth trajectory so far.
While still at ZETDC, I co-founded Gloer Investments in 2019. Gloer Investment specializes in the supply and installation of essential energy and water solutions. Our service includes solar energy systems with full after-sales support, electrical infrastructure projects such as substations and high-voltage lines, and complete borehole services, from site surveys to equipping with solar or electric pumps. Our mission is to make life easier by providing access to life’s basic needs: water and energy. At the firm, our priority is delivering exceptional customer service at an affordable cost.
The company was initially focused on solar energy systems. By 2021, we expanded into water solutions, including borehole drilling and equipping. In 2023, our energy division grew to include electrical infrastructure projects. After establishing a national presence in Zimbabwe, we entered the Zambian market last year with our solar solutions.
Solar energy was once considered out of reach for the average Zimbabwean, but after setting up an affordable backup system at home, we noticed growing interest. One installation led to another, evolving organically into a business that now operates nationwide and beyond.
What key role and responsibilities do you shoulder at the company as the Managing Director?
As Managing Director, I provide strategic direction, streamline operations, and drive visibility through digital and corporate marketing. I also oversee cost control, profitability, and team development to ensure sustainable growth. My role also involves empowering our team, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and keeping the business competitive through continuous market, technology, and competitor analysis.
What are some crucial turning points in your 13 years-long professional journey?
Pursuing a professional qualification in business strategy marked a key shift in my journey. It expanded my leadership perspective and introduced the value of structure, systems, and culture in driving sustainable growth.
Another key turning point in our journey was our transition from serving only domestic clients to breaking into the corporate market in 2021, a move that has significantly elevated our market presence and business growth.
Recognition from respected institutions like the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the CEO’s Network served as a critical turning point. They affirmed our influence in the renewable energy space and inspired continued growth, particularly as we entered the ambient market.
What is your leadership approach for growth and success?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in empathy and open communication. I prioritize a fear-free environment where team input is valued and strong management drives performance. As a leader, I prioritize continuous learning and uphold integrity in all stakeholder relationship. Transparency with suppliers, clear communication with employees, and strong feedback channels for clients are central to sustaining long-term organizational success.
Effective leadership means listening to team insights and being attuned to their personal challenges. Empathy and involvement help foster a motivated, loyal workforce that drives business growth.
What are some challenging aspects of being a leader in Zimbabwe’s energy sector? How do you navigate through these roadblocks?
As a business leader I don’t view challenges as roadblocks. Instead, I view them as leadership lessons.
Talent retention, shifting economic policies, and price-sensitive consumers opting for low-quality imports are key challenges. We counter these through a people-first culture, policy engagement via the Chamber of Commerce, and strategic positioning to reinforce long-term value over short-term cost. In response to low-cost market alternatives, we prioritize client education. Highlighting the cost-effectiveness of investing in quality over time. At Gloer Investments, we differentiate by offering strong after sales-support, ensuring clients know we are there when it matters most.
How do you foresee Zimbabwe’s energy sector evolving? Which industry trends will create a significant impact going forward?
Zimbabwe’s energy sector is poised for significant expansion, driven by growing public awareness and education around renewable energy. As knowledge dissemination accelerates, market participants are increasingly recognizing the value and long-term benefits of investing in sustainable energy solutions. Lower prices and rising awareness are making renewables more accessible, fuelling growth.
A major industry trend poised to drive growth is the rise of zero-deposit, pay-as-you-go solar energy systems. By enabling monthly usage-based payments, this model increases accessibility and meets the universal demands for energy and water. For Zimbabwe’s largely informal economy, industry innovation must focus on credit models with built-in risk management to serve clients without formal income documentation.
Eng Gloria Gawe Bususu, Managing Director, Gloer Investments
Holds a strong track record in project leadership across energy and water solutions nationwide and beyond.
Gloria Bususu has a strong foundation in corporate engineering, having served as a Research and Specifications Engineer at ZETDC for a decade. She co-founded Gloer Investments in 2019 and since then has led the firm in delivering impactful energy and water solutions. She has a notable client base that include many industry leaders reflecting her broad footprint in energy and water infrastructure delivery.
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