Harare, August 7, 2025 – The Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) Program is launching the EELA Zimbabwe Country Window Project to support inclusive and sustainable industrialization in Zimbabwe through energy efficiency interventions. The project is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funded by the Government of Sweden in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development (MEPD), and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC). The launch of the project will be marked by the first Steering Committee Meeting, taking place in Harare on August 7th, with the participation of the highest representatives from key stakeholder institutions.   

The EELA Zimbabwe Country Window Project is designed to harness the potential of energy efficiency solutions to meet the country’s growing demand for clean energy, while also leveraging innovative technologies to support green industrialization. Part of the broader EELA Program, which began in 2019 in the EAC and SADC regions and later expanded to ECOWAS, this project promotes inclusive, low-carbon development by advancing energy-efficient solutions and boosting energy-efficiency investments in the industrial sector to stimulate the market.  

Specifically, the EELA Zimbabwe Country Window was designed to support the scaling up of energy-efficient technologies and address the challenges posed by inefficient lighting and appliances life cycles. It also aims to reduce environmental degradation caused by unsustainable energy practices. Through comprehensive technical assistance, including support for policy and market development and the establishment of an Industry Clean-Tech Platform, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and solutions, promote investment in the low-carbon transformation of the industrial sector, and improve e-waste management.  

The project also leverages the expertise of the Swedish Energy Agency in transforming markets towards energy efficient product and services, effectively engaging policymakers, regulators and the private sector. “In line with Sweden’s bilateral cooperation strategy with Zimbabwe, we are pleased to support EELA that will not only increase resilience to climate change and environmental degradation but also support inclusive economic development. Operating in the energy-industry-environment nexus, the project is set to address some of the key barriers for industries adopting more energy efficient practices and technologies, increasing industrial competitiveness and supporting livelihoods”, stated Dag Sundelin, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Harare.  

Zimbabwe continues to face significant energy challenges, including a rising demand that calls for a stronger electricity generation and the rapid scale up of energy efficient technologies to reach the goals of Vision 2030. Often referred to as “the first fuel” or “the invisible power plant”, energy efficiency offers a strategic solution to improve power supply and resource use. When integrated in harmonized and updated energy policies, it can strengthen market regulation and attract investment. In industrial production, it reduces energy consumption and operating costs. For consumers, it prevents poor-performing products from entering the market and lowers household energy bills.  

“This project goes beyond saving electricity. It is about enabling inclusive economic growth, protecting our environment, and enhancing industrial competitiveness”, stated Dr Utete Wushe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the program is directly aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Energy Efficiency Policy (NEEP) that was launched in April 2025. The overall objective NEEP is to develop energy efficiency programmes that promote sustainable development as the country transitions to an upper-middle-income society in fulfilment of the objectives of Vision 2030. It provides a framework for setting targets in various sectors of the economy such as mining, residential, agriculture, commercial, transport and industry. The Honourable Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development Magna Mudyiwa concluded in her remarks thanking UNIDO and Government of Sweden for their continued support, noting that their partnership is instrumental in integrating energy efficiency across economic sectors and unlocking innovative solutions for sustainable livelihoods.  

Image above: Hon. Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development Magna Mudyiwa delivering opening remarks during the launch of EELA Zimbabwe Country Window Project.  

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Elin Karlsson 

Industrial Development Expert, Coordinator National EELA Projects, 

UNIDO, Division of Energy and Climate Action, Unit of Just Energy Transition 

Email: e.karlsson@unido.org - Mobile: +46 76 7055254 

Giulia Zappa 

Communication Expert 

UNIDO, Division of Energy and Climate Action, Unit of Just Energy Transition 

Email: g.zappa@unido.org  - Mobile: +33 6 24502448  

Asteria Markus 

Project Assistant 

SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE)  

Email: asteria.markus@sacreee.org - Mobile: +264 81 238 2253