Zimbabwe nears universal electrification?

Published: 16 April 2026

Zimbabwe's drive to achieve universal electrification of public institutions has entered its final phase, with the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) committing the bulk of its 2026 budget to completing outstanding connections in schools and health facilities.

The accelerated programme is aimed at closing long-standing infrastructure gaps in rural areas, where unreliable electricity has constrained service delivery in education and healthcare. Authorities say that with thousands of institutions already connected, the focus has shifted to clearing the remaining backlog before year-end.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) board has approved a ZiG7 billion budget for 2026, with nearly four-fifths allocated to project implementation.

REA spokesperson Johannes Nyamayedenga said the allocation signals a decisive shift from planning to execution.

"The stakeholder has directed that all public institutions must be completed this year, hence the need to allocate a big chunk of the budget to project implementation," he said.

Of the total budget, 79% — more than ZiG5.6 billion — will be channelled towards electrification projects across rural Zimbabwe, targeting schools, clinics and other public facilities.

Out of 10,773 identified institutions, 8,383 have already been electrified and commissioned, leaving 2,390 still to be connected. The agency said it will clear the remainder through a combination of grid extension and solar-powered solutions.

The rollout underscores the central role of energy access in rural development. In schools, electricity has enhanced learning conditions by enabling the use of digital tools and supporting science education that depends on powered equipment.

In the health sector, electrification has improved service delivery through extended operating hours, better lighting and reliable vaccine storage via refrigeration.

The 2026 budget aligns with National Development Strategy 2, reinforcing government efforts to close the rural electrification gap and ensure universal access to power for all public institutions.
- newsday