Zimbabwe’s economy is dominated by the service sector, which contributes around half of national GDP. Agriculture and agribusiness remain central to employment, engaging roughly 60% of the population directly or indirectly, and providing a critical source of livelihoods in rural areas. In 2023, agriculture accounted for about 23.8% of total employment, underscoring its continued importance to the country’s socio-economic fabric.

The electrification rate in Zimbabwe is only 44% with 86% of urban households connected and only 28% of rural households. The EE policy measures and market transformation initiatives to increase the uptake of EELA for households and commercial properties will allow for additional households to be connected and a reduction in commercial and residential utility bills.

For rural households, improved availability of highly efficient and quality off-grid appliances, particularly PUE products, is critical for continued progress in energy access through the development of off-grid and weak-grid renewable energy markets and for poverty reduction. The government views increasing energy access through rural electrification as a significant pillar in enhancing socio-economic development in rural communities.

The electrification rate in Zimbabwe is only 44% with 86% of urban households connected and only 28% of rural households. The industrial sector is the largest consumer of electricity, with approximately 40% of the country’s electricity demand driven by mining and other heavy industries. Improved EE in industry will make the sector more competitive and sustainable while allowing for electricity to be freed up for increased electrification rates in households. Improving energy efficiency will also contribute to climate change mitigation in Zimbabwe, in line with the country Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.