The government has approved the establishment of a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Chinhoyi University of Technology. This development follows a key Memorandum of Understanding with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), paving the way for local production of solar panels and lithium batteries. The initiative aims to fuse global expertise with local innovation, positioning Zimbabwe as a serious player in Africa’s renewable energy landscape.
Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, speaking at the 6th International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo, revealed that the STAR-C centre will drive research, innovation, training, and manufacturing in the solar technology space. “We are partnering with Chinhoyi University of Technology on solar energy — from innovation to training and potentially manufacturing,” said Moyo. “With our lithium reserves, we are also exploring battery production. The future is here.”
The renewable energy thrust is anchored in Zimbabwe’s broader economic development strategy. Minister Moyo stressed that solar solutions must align with the nation’s 17 key economic sectors, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and industry. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to integrate clean energy into these sectors, unlocking new opportunities for investment, innovation, and job creation.
Moving away from traditional energy sources, Moyo declared the era of firewood “a thing of the past,” championing clean cooking technologies to improve health and reduce environmental degradation. He urged households and communities to embrace modern alternatives that deliver both efficiency and dignity, particularly for women often burdened by outdated energy practices.
