Story by John Nhandara
OVER 400 schools across Zimbabwe are set to benefit from a US$8.7 million solar and internet initiative unveiled by the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) in partnership with the government.
Speaking at the official launch in Harare on Monday, POSB Divisional Director of Retail Banking, Mr Lawrence Kupika, said the bank aims to power at least 400 schools, 2 700 households, and 400 small and medium enterprises across the country by 2027.
Anchored on three strategic pillars, clean energy access, sustainable financing, and digital connectivity, the initiative aims to support Zimbabwe’s vision of attaining an upper-middle-income society by 2030, the National Renewable Energy Policy and international commitments under the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The project is designed to equip schools, particularly those in rural and hard-to-reach areas, with reliable electricity and high-speed internet access, providing the much-needed boost to teaching and learning.
Mr Amos Manzunzu, a beneficiary, described the programme as a game-changer.
“We had power and internet challenges at our school, but due to this programme, we now have reliable internet services. Our learners are now able to participate in some of the curriculum activities that require internet access.”
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable Torerai Moyo, hailed the project as a significant upgrade.
“The introduction of solarisation and Starlink kits represents a technological upgrade and a commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their geographic location. This programme harnesses solar energy to power schools, especially in remote areas without electricity,” he noted.
The initiative complements ongoing government efforts to empower schools through programmes such as the Presidential Computerisation and Solar Programme, bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all learners have access to modern educational tools.
