"THIS area has been associated with ridicule and poverty, but that is no longer the case. We now have power, a positive development for us,” said 70-year-old Magret Muchemwa as she took a long drink from a chilled bottle of water at Gandavaroyi Business Centre in Gokwe, the Midlands province.
This is the tale of one of Zimbabwe’s most remote areas, where life is not rosy at all.
From poor roads, myths associated with witchcraft and no network connectivity, villagers in Gandavaroyi, North of Gokwe, had adjusted to a life of isolation until recently when the gods of development smiled upon them.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) installed a 96kW solar mini grid project which rejuvenated a sense of living to the villagers as well as reigniting rural industrialisation.
“This area was laid back, associated with myths, stigma but things will change soon,” Muchemwa added.
“The availability of electricity has brought hope, we are moving towards modernity.”
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The solar mini grid project has lit up two schools, a business centre, a campfire hall, a clinic and 17 homesteads.
“Modernity has come to our doorsteps. We thank REA for identifying this place, and installing the solar project,” said a villager, Martha Nyoni (63), whose homestead was connected.
“This area will no longer be the same. Nurses and teachers will no longer shun Gandavaroyi, now that power is available.”
REA is on a drive to electrify rural institutions across the country to meet its 2026 target.
Addressing villagers during the commissioning of the Gandavaroyi solar project, Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo said government is shifting its focus to adopt renewable energy as power options.
“As many of you are aware, approximately 85% of Zimbabwe’s electricity is generated from two major sources, namely the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Station and the Hwange Thermal Power Station,” Moyo said.
“However, under the National Development Strategy and our national energy mantra, government has set a target that by 2030, at least 27% of the country’s electricity generation should come from renewable energy sources, with solar energy taking centre stage.
“While studies are ongoing on the potential of wind energy in selected areas, solar remains our principal renewable energy resource.”
He added: “It is, therefore, government’s policy that communities beyond the reach of the national grid supplied from Kariba or Hwange should benefit from off-grid solar solutions, and the Gandavaroyi community solar mini-grid project is a practical demonstration of that commitment.”
Some of the remote areas that have benefited for solar power plants across the country are Chitulipasi in Beitbridge, Soti Source in Gutu, Dete in Hurungwe, Hwakata in Chipinge, Kamombe in Makonde and Chiwore in Maramba Pfungwe, among others.
“This demonstrates that the government is implementing an inclusive national programme to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing modern energy services,” Moyo added.
“The rollout of these projects will continue until every deserving community benefits from sustainable electricity.”
The government is also set to roll out the Presidential Solar Programme, which will see solar systems reaching approximately 1,2 million homesteads across Zimbabwe.
Speaking to villagers in Gandavaroyi, REA board chairperson Cecilia Chitiyo said availabilty of power unlocks economic opportunities to villagers.
“Access to electricity is a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and will unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity within this community,” Chitiyo said.
In Midlands alone, REA is targeting to provide energy to 161 primary schools, 35 secondary schools as well as a clinic by December 2026.
A total of 128 primary schools and 32 secondary schools will be electrified through grid electricity, while an additional 33 primary schools, three secondary schools and one clinic will benefit from solar energy.
The REA Board has approved a ZiG7 billion budget for 2026 in line with the National Development Strategy 2, with the bulk of the funding directed towards expanding rural electrification infrastructure.
“By the end of 2025, REA had electrified 8 383 schools and clinics out of a total of 10 773, leaving a remainder of 2 390,” Chitiyo said.
“Work to electrify the remaining institutions through both grid extension and solar systems commenced in January 2026 and we are working tirelessly to ensure that every remaining institution receives electricity.”
She said implementation of the Rural Energy Master Plan had transformed the manner in which energy projects were being rolled out across rural Zimbabwe by identifying the most appropriate technology for each location.
“The Rural Energy Master Plan was developed to provide a systematic approach to the provision of modern energy services in Zimbabwe’s rural areas using both grid and off-grid solutions.
“The plan has worked exceptionally well in selecting the mode of power suitable for different areas in rural Zimbabwe, ensuring that communities receive energy solutions that are technically appropriate, cost-effective and sustainable.”
Today, Muchemwa and other villagers are excited to have power in their area.