Oncemore’s construction clients frequently sought steel products like windows and door frames, but the nearest supplier was over 20km away. Despite his manufacturing capabilities, Oncemore could not capitalize on this demand due to the prohibitive cost of running his equipment on a generator.
UNDP Zimbabwe Annual Report
2024 in Review
Powering Profit
The impact of the Hakwata 200kW solar micro-grid has been swift and profound. Almost immediately, the micro-grid has catalysed economic activity, improved quality of life, and created new possibilities previously unimaginable for residents—demonstrating renewable energy’s transformative potential in under-served communities.
12,500
people enjoying services connected to, or direct connections to the solar micro-grid.
Oncemore “Gomera” Gore
Welder in Hakwata Village, Chipinge District
“I used to think solar was only for home lighting. I am amazed it powers my heavy machinery! It has transformed my work, allowing me to expand my product range and offer more affordable prices.”
▲ Energy infrastructure alone isn’t enough - we collaborated with technical colleges to provide Hakwata residents with training in trades to drive full productivity.
Hamunyare Muzvuzvu
Retail shop entrepreneur in Hakwata Village, Chipinge District
Hamunyare’s shop thrived in Hakwata, supplying groceries and utensils. While gas-powered refrigerators allowed her to offer cold and frozen items, the expense cut deeply into profits.
The mini-grid’s solar power transformed her business, reducing costs, boosting profits, and enabling her to diversify her product line to include electric home gadgets.
The mini-grid’s solar power transformed her business, reducing costs, boosting profits, and enabling her to diversify her product line to include electric home gadgets.
▲ While grants funded the solar micro-grid, users pay for usage, contributing to build a fund for maintenance and replacements, ensuring lasting access to clean energy.
Isaiah “Mahlatini” Mlambo
Carpenter in Hakwata Village, Chipinge District
Isaiah, like many, sought opportunity in South Africa. But during a holiday return, he saw the potential of readily available solar power in his village. This inspired him to stay, leveraging his carpentry skills to create beds, cabinets, doors, and other essential goods for his community.
“Our village is the furthest, unknown and most impoverished. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect to get electricity. Power in the home is just a good thing that everyone should have.”
Our work in setting up the Hakwata Green Village is funded from the British Government and implemented jointly with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Rural Electrification Fund