Business
Solar energy builds business for women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe
More beer
“This has also resulted in more beer sales as we stay open an average of four additional hours each day thanks to the light provided,” Mubaiwa explained. Another entrepreneur, Mavis Madzoke, who runs a mobile fast food outlet at Sakubva flea market, said the solar kits helped boost weekly earnings by an average of 15 percent and cut energy costs by more than 90 percent.
“I use the power to heat up the fryers and light up the area during the night,” she said. “We believe this project will go a long way in helping us small scale business owners extend our operating hours, reduce our operating costs and experience the numerous benefits of renewable energy.”
Saviours Magadzire, a member from the Zimunya, community applauded Zimbabwe Resources Foundation for the initiative. “It’s exciting to see these entrepreneurs staying open longer and earning more, especially as their shops are often the only locations in our neighborhood with lights on at night,” he said. “The shops with solar electricity have literally become beacons of light in this area.” Zimbabwe lies in one of the best solar radiation belts in the world, with up to 300 days of sunshine per year.
Copyright The Zimbabwean 2014
