By Thabisani Dube
When Vatican City switched entirely to renewable energy, it showed even the smallest nations can lead in sustainability. The world’s tiniest state now runs fully on solar energy — a milestone echoing beyond Rome. Thousands of kilometres away, Zimbabwe finds its own light, turning to the sun to power homes, industries, and rural communities.
Before his death on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, Pope Francis fulfilled his green vision with a solar installation on Vatican land near Rome. For him, this was more than technology — a moral call: stewardship of the Earth is a spiritual and global duty. That principle — energy independence via innovation — drives Zimbabwe’s shift to renewables.
“We used to wait days for electricity,” says Cabangani Ngwenya, a small business owner in Dete, in Hwange district in Matabeleland North Province. “Now solar energy keeps my shop running and fridge cold all year-round.”
Energy is central to global challenges — jobs, security, climate change, food, and income. In Zimbabwe, energy access links to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Focus on universal access, efficiency, and renewables fosters economic opportunities, sustainable communities, and resilience.
Zimbabwe battles persistent power shortages due to droughts at Kariba Hydro Power Station and ageing plants at Hwange Thermal Power Station, causing blackouts and hampering growth. In response, the government launched its National Renewable Energy Policy in 2019, aiming for 1,100 MW by 2025 and 2,100 MW by 2030.
Compared to fossil fuel technologies, the renewable energy industry is less capital-intensive and therefore much cheaper although it has labour costs. One major advantage of the use of renewable energy is that it is sustainable and so will never run out. Renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators. Their fuel, derived from natural and available resources, reduces the costs of operations.
A quiet transformation is underway. From Bindura to Gwanda, solar panels spread across rooftops, farms, and fields — signs of Zimbabwe reclaiming control. Centragrid in Bindura supplies 25 MW, while SolGas Energy in Hwange and Independent Power Producers like Nyangani in Manicaland Province and Harava Solar in Seke District, Mashonaland East Province expand capacity. Over 90 IPPs are licensed, supported by government incentives like guaranteed tariffs and duty-free imports.
All energy sources impact the environment, but fossil fuels cause far greater harm than renewables — more pollution, health risks, habitat loss, resource demands, and global warming. Blessed with over 3,000 annual sunshine hours, Zimbabwe has immense solar potential. A renewable energy expert, Dr Edzai Kachirekwa told Zimbabwe Now unlocking resources via the Mandatory Domestic Fund model is key. Energy Analyst Sosten Ziuku stresses balancing generation and efficiency with green financing.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has deregulated energy by lowering licensing fees to attract investors. In 2025, Zimbabwe launched the Presidential Rural Solarisation Project to install 150 solar-powered boreholes weekly, reaching over one million households. Managed by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), this US$432 million initiative promotes rural empowerment and sustainable development.
The Rural Electrification Fund reports nearly 3,000 primary and over 1,400 secondary schools electrified, extending study and digital learning hours. Over 900 clinics now reliably power vaccines and medical equipment, enhancing maternal and emergency care.
These gains echo the moral urgency of Laudato Si’, calling for ethical stewardship. As the sun sets, villages like Dete spring to life under solar lights. Faniso Nyoni of Sianyanga Village, says, “Solar brightens our nights. My children study after dark, and I cook without straining my eyes.” Headman Sibusisiwe Ncube adds, “Solar brought progress and opportunity.”
Studies show a rise in solar adoption: 79.2 percent of households in Harare’s Bloomingdale suburb have solar; rooftop panels in Bulawayo reduce bills and buffer load shedding. Though only 21 percent of rural homes have power, solar bridges gaps.
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has long suffered from unreliable electricity, leading to frequent disruptions in essential services. According to the World Health Organization, 25 per cent of health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity, while many others face prolonged interruptions.
Healthcare facilities in rural areas can now store vaccines and run equipment uninterrupted, improving treatment and reliability. Tedious Masauso, a nurse in Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province explains:
“Solar has transformed healthcare in this community. We can now keep vaccines and medicines refrigerated, run medical equipment, and provide uninterrupted treatment — even during power outages.”
Solar empowers farmers and entrepreneurs — charging phones, running businesses, marketing produce. Nyasha Chasakara, CEO of SolarPro Zimbabwe, notes, “Going solar can cu Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) bills by half. Through solar energy, schools access internet and power boreholes, improving learning and water access.” Rent-to-buy solar schemes make adoption affordable.
From Vatican solar fields to Zimbabwe’s savannahs, shared sunlight links them — choosing hope over dependency. Zimbabwe’s renewable journey continues with bold leadership, innovation, and global partnerships.
The Young People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (YPMCS) in Chipinge in southern Manicaland Province, runs a 200-kW solar mini-grid powering homes, shops, a clinic, and a school in Hakwata village, benefiting 12,000 people. Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this nearly US$2 million 2024 project supports local energy management, transforming livelihoods and boosting business.
Challenges remain: high upkeep and battery costs, technician scarcity, and parts shortage. Community training and capacity building are vital for local ownership and long-term success. Coordinated government, private, and donor support is essential for sustainable rural solar ecosystems.
The Presidential Rural Solarisation Project aims to bring renewable energy to over one million rural households in five years, enhancing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities nationwide.
As Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si’:
“Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.”
Under Zimbabwe’s sun, each solar panel reflects resilience and faith in a sustainable future. From the Vatican to Zimbabwe, solar energy shows that innovation and determination can light the way.
As the sun sets over Zimbabwe’s districts, solar-powered communities are thriving, setting an example for the region.