Thembelihle Mhlanga
Zimbabwe is accelerating the adoption of solar and biogas energy to improve electricity access for local communities, Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo said Tuesday during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week Conference.
In a welcome address at the regional energy forum held in Victoria Falls, Moyo said the government is prioritizing renewable energy solutions to address persistent power shortages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. “Zimbabwe is at the forefront of adopting innovative energy solutions that prioritize both sustainability and accessibility,” he said.
Zimbabwe has faced frequent power outages in recent years, affecting households, small businesses, and essential services. Moyo said solar and biogas technologies could help mitigate these challenges, particularly in underserved communities. “Our focus now is to ensure that every community has access to reliable energy sources that empower them economically,” he said.
The SADC Sustainable Energy Week Conference serves as a regional platform for advancing clean energy projects across Southern Africa. The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Power Development of Zimbabwe and the Southern African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), is themed “Driving Regional Economic Growth through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.” The five-day event, supported by regional and international energy leaders, will focus on policy and regulatory frameworks, enabling environments, innovative financing solutions, grid integration, energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, clean cooking solutions, energy storage, and other priority areas that support the region’s energy transition.
During his address, Moyo called for collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and communities to advance renewable energy projects.
Zimbabwe’s high solar irradiation levels position the country to significantly expand solar power generation for both urban and rural communities. “Our solar initiatives will enable people to generate their own power. This innovative approach not only empowers individuals but also fosters entrepreneurial opportunities,” Moyo said.
The government is also promoting biogas technology as part of its renewable energy strategy, linking clean energy production with waste management. “Using organic waste for biogas production is a win-win situation. It provides clean energy while managing waste effectively, contributing to a healthier environment,” the minister said.
Local residents attending the conference welcomed the proposals, citing the impact of electricity shortages on daily life. Mellisa Ndlovu, a community leader from Monde area near Victoria Falls, said local residents were hopeful about the government’s plans. “If this dream can be realized holistically, then as a community, we will be relieved of constant power shortages,” she said.
Ndlovu added that recurring power cuts have disrupted household activities and small businesses in the area. “We are hopeful that with government support and the right infrastructure in place, our lives will drastically improve,” she said.
Despite the optimism, concerns remain about the affordability of renewable energy systems. High upfront costs for solar panels and biogas infrastructure have been cited as barriers to adoption. Addressing these concerns, Moyo said the government is exploring financing options to increase access. “We understand that the initial investment can be a barrier. That’s why we are exploring partnerships and subsidies to ensure affordability for our communities,” he said.
Moyo said achieving long-term energy security would require broad cooperation. “Let us come together as a nation, as communities, and as partners in progress. Together, we can turn the tide on energy scarcity and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable Zimbabwe.”
Discussions and outcomes from the SADC conference are expected to inform future policy direction, with officials indicating that expanded renewable energy deployment could support economic resilience while improving electricity access nationwide.
