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Writes Reginald Tapfumaneyi
Zimbabwean youth-led project, Green Energy Accelerator (GEA) by Youth and Economic Capital Fund in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, has been selected as one of the top 30 Global innovations for Renewable Energy to compete at the Global Youth4Climate Conference slated for Rome, Italy from 17-19 October.
The project is set to be a major cost-effective energy supply for micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which features an 8×40 ft Solar Minigrid Energy Kiosk.
YECF founder and Chief Executive Office, Mr. Simbarashe Gwenzi, said the project is set to be commissioned in the first week of November by the Ministry of Energy and Power Development.
“GEA is climate-friendly and will go a long way in enhancing the profitability and viability of 200 youth and women-led MSMEs and is expediting the growth of startups.
“The existing partnership we have has been instrumental in propelling our vision of sustainable energy solutions and economic empowerment. This project has also been a linchpin in catalyzing the growth of young entrepreneurs and by availing 17 solar energy kiosks, we have significantly alleviated energy costs, thereby enhancing the profitability and viability of 200 youth and women-led MSMEs,” explained Gwenzi.
He also added that the micro-fund facet of GEA provides crucial capital infusion, enabling the enterprises to upscale their operations so that they get into new markets.
GEA has already been initiated in Dete, Hurungwe North, Mashaba, and Gwanda South where the pilot phase has borne fruits.
Gwenzi also said the project resonates with the international calls for investing more in green energy.
“Nationally, GEA stands as a beacon of economic innovation and growth, driven by the untapped potential of our youth and women within the business milieu and it heralds a nurturing ecosystem for entrepreneurs, underscored by tangible support and the pragmatic adoption of renewable energy solutions.
“Amid climate change exigency, our initiative is a testament to a proactive shift towards green energy, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,” he added.