Sustainable energy systems can help set rural communities on a path to sustainable development. This is a key area in which extractive industry companies can compensate for the impact of their activities on host communities by investing in clean household energy systems that endure beyond the life of the extractive operation.

The Government has set a firm year-end deadline to electrify every school in Zimbabwe, ramping up the use of solar energy and other off-grid solutions to close remaining gaps — particularly in rural schools.

A Presidential Rural Solar Scheme targeting the installation of over 1,2 million 1KW solar systems is set to be launched, with the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority having already commenced procurement processes.

Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has taken a major step toward strengthening its healthcare services by commissioning a modern solar power and battery storage plant. This development is particularly important for a healthcare facility where uninterrupted power is critical.

Zimbabwe’s plans to build a solar panel manufacturing plant, which has attracted global interest, mark a shift in the country’s energy and industrialisation strategy, according to a top African solar industry report.

In Zimbabwe, the Government has spearheaded rural electrification programmes targeting schools, health centres, Government offices, business hubs, and private homes. The private sector has complemented these efforts by investing in solar energy—both for self-consumption and for feeding into the national grid.

Government has urged farmers to invest in solar-powered irrigation systems to boost production and ensure national food security. The Permanent Secretary said wider adoption of solar-powered irrigation would strengthen agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on the national grid and improve climate resilience.

By prioritizing inclusive digital public infrastructure, adhering to responsible AI standards, and fostering strong partnerships with institutions like the UNDP, Zimbabwe can harness digital solutions as a potent ally in its pursuit of a greener, more resilient future.

The central question is no longer whether digital solutions matter for environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe, but whether the country can harness them equitably, responsibly, and at scale.