How a 200kW Solar Mini-Grid is Illuminating a Remote Zimbabwean Village - Transforming Lives

In a groundbreaking milestone for rural development, the village of Hakwata in Zimbabwe’s Chipinge District has been revolutionized by the commissioning of a 200kW solar mini-grid and a green village model. 


This innovative project, valued at nearly US$2 million, is a significant step towards achieving Zimbabwe's ambitious sustainable energy goals.

A New Era of Electricity Access

On October 3, 2024, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa officially commissioned the solar mini-grid, highlighting the critical need for increased electricity access in rural areas. "The electricity access rate is 62%, with the grid electricity access rate in rural areas being around 23.4%," President Mnangagwa noted. "This figure is worryingly low, which means that Government and its development partners have to work together to increase access to modern energy in rural communities.”

This project, part of the Climate Adaptation Water Energy Programme (CAWEP), is a collaborative effort between the British Government, the Government of Zimbabwe, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
How a 200kW Solar Mini-Grid is Illuminating a Remote Zimbabwean Village - Transforming Lives
How a 200kW Solar Mini-Grid is Illuminating a Remote Zimbabwean Village - Transforming Lives
The CAWEP initiative, funded by the British to the tune of US$13.6 million, aims to bring sustainable development to remote and often-overlooked rural areas.

Empowering Communities Through Renewable Energy

The 200kW solar mini-grid, currently operating at 20% capacity, is already making a profound impact. It powers 85 homes, 18 businesses, a school, a clinic, and three community boreholes, with ample room for future expansion. This solar system, equipped with 416 solar panels, three inverters, and lithium batteries with a 15-year lifespan, ensures uninterrupted electricity supply to the community.

"This solar mini-grid is not just providing electricity; it is powering dreams, fostering equality, and catalysing sustainable development across multiple fronts," emphasized Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Resident Representative.

Real-Life Impact on Local Livelihoods

The transformation is palpable in the lives of Hakwata’s residents. Ms. Hamunyari Muzvuzvu, a local shopkeeper, shared her experience: "Before, I used expensive gas to power my shop's fridges. Now, with the solar mini-grid, I'm spending less on energy and earning more. I've even expanded my business to sell kitchen appliances that use electricity. This project has truly transformed my life and business."

Isaiah Mlambo Mahlathini, a carpenter who returned to Hakwata from South Africa, is another beneficiary. "I came here to see my family and when I found out that there was electricity, I decided to stay back and do carpentry," he said. Mahlathini now uses the electricity to run his business, making furniture and selling it to fellow villagers, significantly improving his family's quality of life.

Comprehensive Development Initiatives

Beyond the solar mini-grid, the CAWEP initiative has introduced several other vital projects to the Hakwata community:
  1. 100 Solar Home Kits: Providing lighting in vulnerable households.
  2. 90 Biogas Digesters: Ensuring clean cooking methods.
  3. Automated Weather Station: Offering real-time weather and climate information.
  4. 30 Solar Street Lights: Enhancing safety and visibility.

These initiatives are expected to boost local economic activity, improve livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life, particularly for women and girls.

A Model for Future Development

The success of the Hakwata project serves as a model for future rural electrification efforts across Zimbabwe. Similar climate adaptation projects are underway in Binga, Insiza, and Chivi Districts, focusing on renewable energy, irrigation schemes, and improved water access. These projects are part of the broader CAWEP initiative, which will run from 2022 to 2025.

Health and Education Benefits

The solar mini-grid has also transformed healthcare in the area. At the Hakwata Clinic, solar electricity now powers essential medical equipment, including vaccine fridges, ensuring that vaccines are stored properly and extending the reach of immunization programs to more communities. Health workers, who previously hesitated to work in the area due to lack of electricity, are now more inclined to join, improving overall healthcare services.

Transforming Lives: How a 200kW Solar Mini-Grid is Illuminating a Remote Zimbabwean Village

The commissioning of the 200kW solar mini-grid in Hakwata village is a beacon of hope for rural Zimbabwe, demonstrating the power of renewable energy in transforming lives. As Dr. Jo Abbot, Deputy Ambassador and Development Director at the British Embassy in Harare, noted, "Energy brings life and hope, and investments in power supply are a UK priority."

This project not only highlights the importance of energy access but also underscores the potential for sustainable development in remote areas. As Zimbabwe continues to strive for universal access to sustainable and modern energy by 2030, initiatives like the Hakwata solar mini-grid stand as shining examples of what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation.

Engage with us: Share your thoughts on how renewable energy can transform rural communities. What other initiatives do you think could complement projects like the Hakwata solar mini-grid? Join the conversation on our social media channels and help us spread the word about the transformative power of solar energy.

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