The Struggle for Reliable Electricity in Rural Zimbabwe
In many rural areas of Zimbabwe, evenings are often dimly lit by the flicker of fire or candles and the smoke from paraffin lamps. For families like that of Edith Nhanha, a mother of three from Ngorima village under Chief Jiri in Gokwe South, the lack of proper lighting is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to education and daily life. “We want our children to study under proper lights, not candles,” she said. “If solar grids come here, it will change our lives. Even cooking with firewood is difficult—we spend hours collecting it.”
Nhanha’s hopes reflect the broader aspirations of many rural communities. Access to affordable electricity could not only improve education but also ease household chores and reduce environmental degradation caused by deforestation. For Ruth Moyo, a teacher in Mberengwa, electricity represents more than just light; it symbolizes dignity and development. “When power comes, it means our schoolchildren can use computers, our clinic can store vaccines, and our farmers can irrigate their crops. That is real development,” she explained.
According to government data, as of 2024, 38% of the population lacked access to electricity, while over 61% relied on traditional biomass for cooking. This energy poverty has disproportionately affected rural communities, women, and youth, limiting productivity and economic growth. In response, Zimbabwe has launched the Mission 300 initiative, a partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank aimed at ensuring all citizens have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy by 2030.
The US$5 billion Mission 300 initiative seeks to connect 300 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030. It also aims to deliver electricity to 3.1 million households and provide clean cooking solutions to 70% of the population. These goals align with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy. Beyond electricity access, the energy compact also aims to foster public-private partnerships, support climate goals, and develop regional power markets.
Energy Minister July Moyo emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving 100% household electricity access by 2030 through a mix of on-grid, mini-grid, and standalone solar systems. He outlined plans to increase access to clean cooking solutions from 38.6% to 70%, reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, and expand the share of non-hydro renewable energy in the power mix from 7.8% to 31%. The initiative is expected to mobilize over US$9 billion in investments, with more than US$4.42 billion coming from the private sector.
For decades, Zimbabwe has depended on electricity imports from South Africa and Mozambique. However, local power generation has struggled due to underinvestment and aging infrastructure. Renewable energy expert Edzai Kachirekwa believes the energy compact marks a turning point. “Zimbabwe should be a net energy exporter, not a net importer,” he said. “The potential is here—solar parks, wind farms, hydropower rehabilitation, biogas systems, and storage technology.”
Kachirekwa, CEO of Power Giants Global, highlighted the importance of attracting global investors to Zimbabwe’s energy sector. “Every unit of power we buy today could, in the near future, be one we sell to our neighbours,” he added. The energy compact aims to increase renewable capacity from 1,282 MW in 2024 to 2,640 MW by 2030, with a focus on expanding non-hydro renewables from 7.8% to 29% of the energy mix.
Energy policy experts agree that scaling up renewable energy is essential for Zimbabwe to achieve its Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. An energy researcher at a local university emphasized the broader implications of energy security: “Energy is the foundation of industrialization, education, healthcare, and agriculture.” He warned that the energy compact could unlock economic growth, but it requires strong regulation, community involvement, and investor trust.
Environmental expert Tapuwa O’bren Nhachi cautioned that renewable energy projects must prioritize sustainability. “We cannot replace coal’s destruction with another form of environmental neglect,” he said. “Proper planning is key.”
Attracting and protecting investors will be crucial. Kachirekwa argued that the right formula involves policy stability, public-private partnerships, and local empowerment. “Investor trust is as important as megawatts,” he said. “Partnerships must be mutually beneficial, bringing both infrastructure and skills transfer to Zimbabwe.”
Isaiah Nyakusendwa, chairperson of the Renewable Energy Association of Zimbabwe, emphasized the need for an enabling environment and supportive policies. “Guarantees for foreign currency investments, currency conversion, and equipment payments are critical for investor confidence,” he said. He also stressed the importance of resolving regulatory hurdles to scale up private sector investment effectively.
Edington Mazambani, CEO of the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, described the energy compact as the national energy compass. With new transmission lines and interconnectors, experts envision a future where Zimbabwe exports electricity to neighboring countries like Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa.
For villagers like Nhanha, the energy compact promises brighter nights. For engineers like Kachirekwa, it signals energy sovereignty. For the nation, it could redefine Zimbabwe’s place on the regional and global energy map. As one villager put it, watching her children do homework by lamp: “We are waiting for the day when our nights will shine like our dreams.”
