In Zimbabwe, the mobile operator Econet aims to invest $250 million into a solar energy project. The initiative, which the company says will create 5,000 jobs, will provide solar power to industries, businesses, and households.
Norman Moyo, head of Econet’s technology department, said the project has already started according to a report in The Herald. "We have orders from several companies in Zimbabwe for electrical installations that will allow them to emancipate themselves from the power grid, except in emergencies. They can also reduce their need for diesel whose satisfaction requires foreign currency,” said the manager.
Moyo said that the company already has 20 MW in projects in the order books and this is constantly increasing. Once the installations are completed, customers should pay, on the model of leasing, over a period of 15 years.
Econet has also undertaken similar projects in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, where it hopes to build about 100 MW of mini-power plants over the next two years.