Econet Energy Group (ECG) is targeting to invest $45 million in the first phase of its programme to build 100 mini solar grids across Zimbabwe.
ECG will roll out the programme through its pan-African company Ugesi Energy starting with Matabeleland. This was revealed by ECG executive Norman Moyo. Said Moyo:
The first phase, we are targeting to put $45 million into this investment. We are targeting 100 growth points across the country. We have already identified them.
The first 10 will be in Matabeleland. With the first three, we expect to have them in the next six months; up and running. Then obviously, there is investment happening outside [Zimbabwe], while $45 million is for Zimbabwe primarily, but the rest is going to happen in other markets.
In other markets, we will work with different partners. We have got something coming up in Botswana. So the concept is gaining traction.
Moyo further revealed that each solar mini-grid has a minimum holding capacity of 30kW.