Zimbabwe Embraces Off-Grid Systems to Increase Rural Energy Access

Strategic Insights -

Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, Kufa Chinoza, has highlighted the country's commitment to increasing access to electricity in rural communities through off-grid systems. Speaking at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) meeting, Chinoza emphasized the importance of energy in driving economic growth and development in various sectors, including health, agriculture, and mining. The current electricity deficit in Zimbabwe is attributed to increased industrialization and growing demand from mining and agriculture industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zimbabwe has a national electricity access rate of 62 percent, with rural areas having levels below 20 percent.
  • The country is experiencing daily electricity deficits ranging from 300MW to 500MW due to increased industrialization and growing demand from various sectors.
  • The government is promoting off-grid systems to increase access to electricity in rural communities, with a focus on reducing the energy access gap and accelerating the energy transition in the country.
  • Zimbabwe has ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and has signed the Framework Agreement, with a focus on scaling up solar applications for agricultural use, mobilizing finance for solar projects, and promoting solar mini-grids for rural areas.
  • The country is committed to collaborating with ISA to become a regional leader in renewable energy, particularly solar energy.
  • Zimbabwe has expressed gratitude for ISA's support in establishing the Solar Technology and Research Centre (STARC) and other initiatives, which have been instrumental in shaping the solar energy landscape in the country.

Statistics:

  • Zimbabwe's daily electricity demand ranges between 1,300MW to 1,500MW, against a peak demand of 1,800MW.
  • The country's national electricity access rate is 62 percent, with rural areas having levels below 20 percent.
  • The government has set a goal of increasing access to electricity in rural communities through off-grid systems, aiming to reduce the energy access gap and accelerate the energy transition in the country.
  • Zimbabwe has received support from ISA for the establishment of the STARC and other initiatives, with a focus on promoting solar energy and renewable energy development.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwean Ambassador to Ghana, Kufa Chinoza, at the International Solar Alliance meeting in Accra, Ghana.
  • Framework Agreement and Ratification of the International Solar Alliance by Zimbabwe.
  • President Mnangagwa's signing of the Framework Agreement and Ratification in April 2021.
  • Zimbabwe's Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon Minister J G Moyo, at the forthcoming ISA meeting in India in October 2025.