By Evans Dakwa
Zimbabwe has been experiencing a serious electricity shortage that has hampered the effective implementation of its promulgated Rural Electrification drive. While steady progress at the household level has been visible, many rural households are priced out of lighting their homes.
A local startup, Ekha Energy Project, has positioned itself to plug gaps in rural electrification by implementing a project that seeks to light rural homes at very affordable pricing.
Founded by Rufaro Marufu, who is also the Managing Director, the Ekha Energy Project is determined to champion access to renewable energy in rural setups, prioritizing affordability over profit.
The initiative has already been implemented in Murewa and Chiweshe and has piloted in Mazowe and Glendale.Driven by the motto ‘people in rural areas are not passive beneficiaries — they are partners in building a cleaner future’, Ekha Energy looks at energy poverty as not hinged on electricity alone but about education, health, climate resilience, and dignity.
The project works with community-based distributors who are trained, compensated agents who earn income through commissions and sales incentives.
“We view them as grassroots entrepreneurs and key partners in delivering clean energy to their own communities. Education is central to our approach. Both Ekha Energy Project and our community-based distributors engage in awareness-raising. We host local information sessions and training, and our distributors are equipped to explain the health and environmental risks of kerosene, as well as the long-term benefits of solar solutions,” said Rufaro, the MD of Ekha Energy Project.
She emphasized that the project is not profit-centric but driven by the desire to address what she termed energy poverty, saying, “Our solar products are sold at affordable, nominal prices. We believe in ensuring long-term sustainability while making clean energy accessible. We also offer flexible payment plans to accommodate low-income rural households, so they can pay in small instalments.”
Unlike large-scale grid infrastructure projects, Ekha Energy Project’s model is agile and inclusive. It relies on a growing network of trained community-based distributors who understand the nuances of their villages. Some of their products include solar lamps, solar home systems, school backpacks with built-in panels, and solar charging hubs, all sold and set from a social enterprise perspective.
Having successfully piloted and implemented the project in four areas, Ekha Energy is looking to scale the project for a wider reach.
Thus far, Ekha Energy Project has replaced thousands of kerosene lamps, reducing indoor air pollution and fire risks. The replaced kerosene lamps mean an estimated 6,500 to 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over three years have been avoided, approximately 40 to 50 hectares of forest annually have been potentially preserved by reducing the need for wood fuel, and reduced an estimated 15 to 20% in PM2.5 air pollutants in targeted households.
