Zimbabwe Electrifies Rural Beitbridge

Key Figures & Findings: The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Zimbabwe has commissioned a 120-kilowatt solar power plant at Chitulipasi business centre in Beitbridge. This milestone connects over 40 homes and essential public institutions—including a school, clinic, police station, and government offices—underscoring REA’s push to deliver power to marginalised communities under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. REA spokesperson Johannes Nyamayedenga confirmed that the project is part of the agency’s national agenda to eliminate energy exclusion and promote local access to key services. Local voices, such as clinic patients and school leaders, have affirmed that this electrification initiative has tangibly improved lives.

Insights: The new solar plant offsets the need for candles at clinics and has enabled digital learning in schools. This project directly impacts more than 300 residents and complements earlier investments in off-grid rural infrastructure across Matabeleland South province.

Future Implications: If the REA maintains this pace, similar installations across other underserved districts could be completed by 2029, significantly advancing Zimbabwe’s national electrification targets. The Chitulipasi success story may also serve as a model for inclusive energy access in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: NewsDay Zimbabwe