By Evans Dakwa, News Editor
Zimbabwe’s electricity shortage has hindered its Rural Electrification drive, leaving many rural households unable to afford lighting for their homes. To address this gap, Ekha Energy Project, a local startup, has launched an initiative to provide affordable renewable energy solutions to rural communities.
Founded by Rufaro Marufu, the project’s Managing Director, Ekha Energy prioritizes affordability over profit. The initiative has already been implemented in Murewa and Chiweshe, with pilot projects in Mazowe and Glendale. Ekha Energy’s approach is built on the motto “people in rural areas are not passive beneficiaries, they are partners in building a cleaner future.”
The project works with trained, community-based distributors who earn income through commissions and sales incentives. According to Rufaro, “We view them as grassroots entrepreneurs and key partners in delivering clean energy to their own communities. Education is central to our approach.”
The project focuses on awareness-raising, providing local information sessions and training on the health and environmental risks of kerosene and the benefits of solar solutions.
Ekha Energy’s solar products are sold at affordable prices, with flexible payment plans available to accommodate low-income rural households. Rufaro emphasized that the project is driven by a desire to address energy poverty, rather than profit. The project’s model is agile and inclusive, relying on a growing network of trained community-based distributors who understand the nuances of their villages.
Having successfully piloted and implemented the project in four areas, Ekha Energy is looking to scale up for a wider reach. To date, the project has replaced thousands of kerosene lamps, reducing indoor air pollution and fire risks. This has resulted in an estimated 6,500 to 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided over three years, 40 to 50 hectares of forest potentially preserved annually, and a 15 to 20% reduction in PM2.5 air pollutants in targeted households.