At UNDP Zimbabwe, we are continually inspired by the strides our nation is making in the renewable energy sector. Today, we stand proud to acknowledge Zimbabwe’s leading role in solar energy and its commitment to sustainable development. UNDP, in partnership with key stakeholders, is at the forefront of this critical transition, transforming communities and contributing to global climate action.

The recently held event on Accelerating Women’s Entrepreneurship Development and De-risking the Renewable Energy Viability Gap in Africa and allowed us to reflect on Zimbabwe's leadership and innovations in renewable energy, specifically through our Solar for Health initiative.

As highlighted during the conference, Zimbabwe is setting the pace: “We have provided 24/7 electricity to over 1,000 health facilities across the country, making a direct impact on health service delivery in rural and urban areas alike.” This solar initiative covers more than 58% of Zimbabwe’s total health facilities, allowing clinics to function without interruption due to power outages—a remarkable feat for the continent.

The interconnectedness between gender inequality and energy poverty cannot be overstated. At the event, we discussed how women, especially in rural areas, shoulder a disproportionate share of the burdens caused by energy poverty. Women spend hours collecting firewood, limiting their ability to pursue income-generating activities. UNDP is working with international partners to ensure that investments in renewable energy benefit women. Our gender-inclusive projects, such as the Solar for Health initiative and upcoming mini-grid projects, aim to ensure access to clean energy, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary General and Regional Director for Africa at UNDP, emphasized this in her speech: “Financial, regulatory, and infrastructural risks continue to limit large-scale investments in Africa’s renewable energy sector. De-risking these investments is urgent to pave the way for private sector participation, which is crucial to close that energy access gap.” Through strong public-private partnerships, we can overcome these barriers. In Zimbabwe, for example, there remains a funding gap of $4.8 billion for large-scale solar projects. However, UNDP is actively working with partners to address this and scale up investment, focusing especially on projects that empower women.

Diana Layfield, a leading voice in sustainable energy financing, spoke passionately about the need for innovative solutions: “The future of renewable energy in Africa depends on how we de-risk investments. The public and private sectors must come together to create structures that encourage more capital to flow into the continent’s energy transformation.”

Ron Mincy also highlighted the socio-economic implications: “We must consider not only the environmental benefits of renewable energy but also how it creates pathways out of poverty. Investing in renewable energy means investing in livelihoods and in the future of communities.”

Mahamadou Coulibaly, who has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in West Africa, reinforced this sentiment, stating: “The challenges we face in achieving energy access are immense, but Africa has the solutions within its grasp. With the right investments and partnerships, we can leapfrog to a sustainable energy future.”

The message was clear throughout the conference: we are beyond piloting small projects—we know what works, and we must act now. The successful implementation of renewable energy in Zimbabwe through solar projects is not just about lighting homes and clinics, but also about fostering an inclusive economy that supports women as key players in this transformation. Women entrepreneurs are already leading the way in renewable energy, as UNDP has trained them in fields like solar engineering, creating new job opportunities and income streams.

Our efforts are far from over. The rural electrification journey in Zimbabwe is only beginning, but our successes so far, as highlighted by Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, demonstrate the potential impact of renewable energy. "Zimbabwe's clean energy strategy is addressing both environmental challenges and social inequalities, with a special focus on uplifting women and youth in the energy value chain," the Minister remarked.

At UNDP Zimbabwe, we are committed to ensuring that clean, renewable energy lights up the homes, clinics, and businesses of all Zimbabweans. Through our partnerships and initiatives, we will continue to advocate for the scaling up of investments and policies that de-risk renewable energy and create inclusive economic growth.

Let us seize this moment. As we reflect on the discussions from the conference, we echo the call from Ms. Ahunna: “The decisions we take today will shape the future of Africa. Let us build a future where women entrepreneurs lead the way and clean, sustainable energy lights up every corner of our continent.”

Together, we are building the energy future of Zimbabwe—one that is clean, inclusive, and sustainable for all.