The healthcare landscape in Bulawayo has reached a historic turning point following the official commissioning of a solar energy plant at Mater Dei Hospital. The project, which was unveiled on March 10, 2026, represents a landmark collaboration between the private sector, international development agencies, and the Zimbabwean government. It promises to end the era of life-threatening power disruptions at one of the country’s most critical medical facilities.
This renewable energy initiative was made possible through the Old Mutual Renewable Energy Fund. The fund is a strategic partnership involving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Fund, various UN agencies, the Government of Zimbabwe and Old Mutual Zimbabwe.The physical installation was carried out by Belmont Electrical, a firm based in Bulawayo. The project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when local expertise meets international capital and national policy
For years, Mater Dei Hospital, like many institutions across the country, has grappled with the challenges of inconsistent power supply, which forced the hospital to rely heavily on expensive diesel generators in order to sustain operations and critical care.The new solar plant effectively eliminates these risks by providing a stable, independent power source.The infrastructure itself is a marvel of modern engineering. Belmont Electrical installed a 750 kWp solar photovoltaic system complemented by a 1 MWh battery energy storage system.
This setup includes approximately 1,200 solar panels and has enough storage capacity to power 100 average homes for an entire day. It is designed to generate 1.3 million kWh annually, ensuring that critical departments such as the neonatal unit and renal dialysis centre never go dark.During the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Sam Matsekete, the CEO of Old Mutual Group, emphasized the broader economic and social significance of the investment. He noted that the project is a prime example of how institutional capital can be used to solve real-world problems.
“Through channelling resources into the Mater Dei solar project, Old Mutual Zimbabwe is demonstrating that commercial investment can go hand-in-hand with profound social impact, creating a sustainable model for infrastructure development that strengthens our national healthcare system,” said Mr. Matsekete.The financial benefits for the hospital are expected to be immediate and substantial. Mater Dei Hospital has displaced the need for thousands of litres of diesel, reduced reliance on the national grid, and potentially stabilized its operating budget.
These savings are intended to be reinvested into patient care and the procurement of advanced medical equipment, further improving the quality of service for the Matabeleland region.Government officials at the event praised the project as a vital contribution to Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy.The Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable Yeukai Simbanegavi, highlighted how this project aligns with the National Energy Compact, which aims for universal electricity access by 2030.
“The Mater Dei Solar Plant stands as a powerful symbol of our energy transition in action, proving that through public-private partnerships, we can modernize our infrastructure and ensure our hospitals remain resilient centres of healing,” remarked Deputy Minister Simbanegavi.The United Nations played a central role in catalysing the finance required for this project. The UN Joint SDG Fund provided US$8 million in initial capital, which was then matched by Old Mutual.
This “blended finance” approach is designed to significantly derisk renewable energy projects, making them more attractive to private investors.The ultimate goal of the fund is to reach a capitalization of $100 million to support similar projects across Zimbabwe.
Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, spoke passionately about the human element of the project.He reminded the audience that while the technology is impressive, the true value lies in the lives that will be saved and the dignity restored to healthcare workers.
“We are not only switching on a new power source; we are switching on possibilities for patients whose lives depend on uninterrupted power and for health workers who must deliver quality care under any conditions,” stated Mr. Kallon.The social impact of the solar plant extends beyond the hospital walls. Mater Dei is a major employer in Bulawayo, with a workforce of over 400 professionals, the majority of whom are women. A stable work environment with reliable lighting and functioning equipment reduces the immense stress that medical staff face during blackouts.
Furthermore, the surrounding community benefits from having a reliable referral hospital that can remain fully operational even during climate-related shocks or national grid failures.Environmental sustainability is another key pillar of the project. It is estimated that the solar plant will prevent approximately 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.This contributes directly to Zimbabwe’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The partners’ contribution to the reduction in “carbon footprint” of a major medical facility shows that healthcare and environmental protection are deeply linked.
The successful completion of the Mater Dei project serves as a blueprint for other referral hospitals across the country. It proves that renewable energy is not just a “green” luxury but a practical necessity for modern medicine. As the Renewable Energy Fund continues to grow, other critical institutions are expected to follow in Mater Dei’s footsteps.
While the sun set over Bulawayo on the day of the commissioning, the rows of silicon panels at Mater Dei continued to harvest energy. They stand as a silent, powerful guard over the patients inside, ensuring that the hospital’s mission of “healing with love” is never interrupted by a flicker of the lights. This project is a both a source of great pride for Old Mutual Zimbabwe and a clear signal that Zimbabwe is ready to embrace a cleaner, brighter, and more resilient future for all its citizens.