Online Reporter
Vincent Gono, Day Editor
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund (NRZCPF) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration and building partnerships that will drive renewable energy adoption across the country to support continued industrial growth and economic development in line with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The fund is embarking on a massive green revolution with its Rooftop Solar PV Project targeting 72 of its mixed-use buildings countrywide at a budget of more than US$11 million as part of efforts to supplement the energy deficit as well as reap the benefits of the investment through carbon credits under the Gold Standard while reducing emissions in line with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) target.
In his address at the at the NRZCPF Rooftop Solar PV Project inaugural local stakeholder consultative meeting in Harare recently, chairman of the National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund Board, Mr Takunda Madanha underscored the significance of the initiative in advancing Zimbabwe’s renewable energy agenda and its broader developmental goals.
“Effective collaboration with our Government partners is vital as we work towards sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders and align with our national development priorities,” he said
He reflected on the international and national frameworks guiding the initiative noting that it was part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
He also emphasised the project’s alignment with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which advocates for increased renewable energy generation to support economic growth and energy security.
Mr Madanha reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to supporting the vision of President Mnangagwa to develop Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“Our initiatives, including the solar project, are aimed at reducing energy costs, supporting economic growth and ultimately benefiting our pensioners and all civil society,” he added.
He extended special recognition to representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Ministry of Finance, emphasising the crucial role of Government in supporting the project.
Highlighting the country’s growing energy demand, Mr Madanha noted that Zimbabwe’s peak consumption often exceeds current generation capacity, emphasising the urgency of innovative solutions like the rooftop solar project.
“With demand reaching approximately 1 900 MW against an average capacity of 1 500 MW, we must accelerate our efforts to diversify and expand our energy sources,” he noted.
He acknowledged the role of tenants and pensioners and expressed appreciation for their participation assuring them that the project’s benefits will extend to their welfare saying by reducing energy costs, they can allocate more resources towards improving the livelihoods of pensioners and the communities.
The consultative meeting was attended by all stakeholders, including Government officials, civil society, tenants and pensioners.
“Your presence here today underscores the importance of this initiative and we are grateful for your commitment to a sustainable energy future,” he stated.
Speaking at the same meeting NRZCPF Chief Executive Officer Mrs Chipo Grace Hlabangana said the objective of the consultations was to have all stakeholders on board.
“We are here to share the project scope, timeline, structural integrity of the buildings and other technical details with the community and tenants who will be directly affected as well as explain the benefits (stable power) and potential short-term impacts (construction noise/access) clearly and honestly,” she said.
Mrs Hlabangana explained that installing the solar systems on NRZCPF properties offered a viable green energy solution to bridge the electricity gap, reduce reliance on the national grid and contribute to a more sustainable energy mix at national level.
“The solar project will generate not only clean electricity but certified carbon credits, creating an additional revenue stream that enhances project returns, improves capital efficiency and strengthens funding flexibility,” she said.
She said they are excited that project is more than a renewable energy installation, it is a strategic infrastructure intervention that strengthens business productivity and contributes meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s clean energy transition.
“Aligning commercial viability with environmental stewardship and responsibility enables the project to demonstrates how distributed solar can serve as both an economic enabler and a climate solution,” she said.
