Zimbabwe Advances Renewable Energy Training With ZESA And SDG Fund Partnership

In a bid to bolster Zimbabwe’s renewable energy sector and address the challenges posed by climate change, the Zimbabwe Joint SDG Fund project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, has handed over solar training equipment to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Training Centre. The initiative aims to equip workers with green skills essential for various sectors while making renewable energy technical training accessible and affordable.

During the handover ceremony, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon. Edgar Moyo, emphasized the significance of investing in renewable infrastructure and technologies to realize the objectives outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). He highlighted the role of such investments in laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth, Minister Moyo stressed the nation’s adherence to principles of inclusivity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Ms. Nisha, representing the United Nations Resident Coordinator at the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, underscored the importance of renewable energy in sustainable development. She emphasized its pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG Fund has initiated renewable energy skills training sessions, with a focus on addressing existing gaps and needs in the sector. The ongoing training, conducted at the ZESA training center, targets women and youth, with the aim of empowering them and fostering entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector.

Malvern Matongo, the Zimbabwe Joint SDG Renewable Energy project Coordinator, highlighted the inclusivity of the training sessions, with 50% women and 75% youth participation. These sessions aim to empower women, youth, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through tangible measures aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in renewable energy.

Mr. Chikwenere, representing the ZESA Training Centre, expressed gratitude for the solar equipment, emphasizing its timeliness as ZESA focuses on capacity building and advancing knowledge in renewable energy.

The Joint SDG Programme endeavors to bridge market gaps, promote project implementation, and build capacity among renewable energy project developers and investors. It aims to de-risk investment in renewable energy and integrate small-scale renewable energy businesses into energy value chains through capacity building initiatives.