Chinese-Led Solar Project Equips Zimbabweans With Disabilities for Energy Independence

A solar cooking project launched this week in Harare is empowering people with disabilities by providing clean energy solutions and hands-on training.

Led by Chinese high school students under the Education 5.0 model, the initiative run in partnership with Sunflower Solar Technologies—targets communities hardest hit by energy shortages and deforestation.

The solar cookers, designed to suit Zimbabwe’s sunny climate, offer a safe and sustainable alternative to firewood and electricity.

The project aims to reduce deforestation and ease the burden of load shedding while creating income-generating opportunities.

Sunflower Solar Technologies director Mr Feihan Li said the idea was inspired by a visit to Zimbabwe in 2024, where he observed widespread reliance on traditional energy sources.

“When I visited my father, who was working here in 2024, I realised that most people were relying on electricity and firewood as a source of energy,” Mr Li said.

He explained that the experience prompted him and his colleagues to develop a solar cooking solution tailored to local needs.

“We want to make sure that people with disabilities are well-equipped with the skills to assemble the cookers and make some money in the process. Now, we can produce at least 100 cookers a month, and we hope to increase,” he said.

According to ZBC, the first phase of the programme specifically targets people with disabilities, who often face barriers in accessing reliable energy.

Beneficiaries have welcomed both the equipment and the training, describing the initiative as life-changing.

“I was finding it difficult to use alternative sources of energy. With power being a problem due to load shedding, the alternative was gas, but I was afraid as gas is generally dangerous. I want to thank the young men and our Senator for facilitating this donation,” one recipient said.

Another added, “I am very grateful for this initiative. I have been given a critical tool and more importantly a skill that could change my life. Since some of these products will need to be assembled, I now have the requisite skill to assemble them and this is a source of empowerment to help me in my day-to-day life.”

A representative from an organisation supporting people with mental health conditions also expressed appreciation.

“Being given such products means we have dealt with the power problems at the institution. Power is a critical resource that we need in our everyday lives,” the beneficiary noted.

Senator Annah Shiri, who represents people with disabilities, praised the initiative and highlighted its diplomatic significance.

“What we are witnessing today is a result of years of cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and Zimbabwe.

“The need for alternative energy is critical in the face of climate change. What we need as a country is to engage these youngsters so that we can exchange critical knowledge on how to produce such products.

“If these students can do it, we can also do it through our own Education 5.0 model. I will be negotiating with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation and Science Development, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to see to it that we can tap on such knowledge and use it to our own advantage,” she said.

The initiative supports Zimbabwe’s broader renewable energy goals.

Under the Second Republic, the government has intensified efforts to adopt alternative energy sources, with US$24 million allocated to the Renewable Energy Fund last year.

Collaborations like this are expected to contribute meaningfully toward meeting national sustainability targets.