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Renewable energy

Zimbabwe Committed to Powering Rural Schools and Clinics by 2026

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Zimbabwean government has set ambitious targets to achieve universal energy access, with a focus on powering primary and secondary schools, as well as clinics, in rural areas by the end of 2026. This comprehensive approach is part of the country's National Renewable Energy Policy, aiming to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and foster economic resilience in underserved communities. The government is actively seeking private investment, particularly from the diaspora community, to support this endeavor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Zimbabwean government aims to power all primary and secondary schools, as well as clinics, in rural areas by the end of 2026, as part of its universal energy access strategy.
  • The project aligns with Zimbabwe's National Renewable Energy Policy and is supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), which has already made progress with projects such as the installation of a 160-kilowatt solar system in Tongogara Soti Source, Gutu.
  • The Government has signed the Government Project Support Agreement (GPSA), a policy tool designed to de-risk investments through guarantees, cost-reflective tariffs, and currency convertibility provisions.
  • Zimbabwe's renewable energy landscape is evolving through initiatives like the Zimbabwe Renewable Energy Fund (REF Zimbabwe), which supports decentralized energy projects in rural areas.
  • REF Zimbabwe has received an initial US$8 million in concessional capital and an equal commitment from private partners, and is expected to grow to US$50 million by 2026.
  • The fund focuses on financing solar installations for public infrastructure, such as schools, clinics, and agro-processing facilities, while prioritizing youth- and women-led enterprises.

Statistics:

  • By 2026, all primary and secondary schools, as well as clinics, in rural areas are expected to have access to energy, including electricity.
  • 1.2 million households are set to benefit from the Presidential Home-Based Solar Systems initiative, which aims to install solar systems in Zimbabwean households.
  • The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has already made progress with projects such as the installation of a 160-kilowatt solar system in Tongogara Soti Source, Gutu.
  • US$8 million in concessional capital has been allocated to the Zimbabwe Renewable Energy Fund (REF Zimbabwe) for decentralized energy projects in rural areas.
  • By 2026, REF Zimbabwe is expected to grow to US$50 million.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwean Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, during engagements with investors in Australia.
  • Zimbabwe's National Renewable Energy Policy.
  • Presidential Home-Based Solar Systems initiative.
  • Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
  • Zimbabwe Renewable Energy Fund (REF Zimbabwe).
  • Government Project Support Agreement (GPSA).

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