Catalysing organizations investment into renewable energy for the acceleration of SDGs in Zimbabwe

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Zimbabwe grapples with a severe energy crisis affecting key economic sectors, especially in rural areas, impacting women and youth disproportionately. The UN Joint SDG Fund's innovative programme addresses financing barriers by establishing the Sustainable Development Goals Renewable Energy Fund (SDG REF). This fund leverages local markets to finance renewable energy projects, emphasizing gender-responsive and inclusive investments with a focus on productive uses.

To bridge capacity gaps, UN Organizations collaborate with international partners and local markets, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access funding throughout project stages. The programme introduces renewable energy technology, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs, contributing to its transformative impact.

The UN's pivotal role lies in unlocking domestic and international capital for high-impact SMEs, kick-starting initiatives for a renewable energy pathway. By blending developmental and private sector funds, the UN accelerates SDG achievement, debunking the notion of low returns in community-based projects; renewable energy investments are aligned with sustainability and capacity building.

The programme is an example of leveraging available funds to impact different agendas including food systems transformation. By ensuring energy access in rural areas, the initiative directly impacts agriculture, a key economic sector. With reliable energy, farmers can adopt sustainable practices, enhance irrigation, and improve post-harvest processes, contributing to a resilient and sustainable food system. Moreover, the introduction of renewable energy creates opportunities for agroprocessing ventures, fostering economic growth in tandem with food systems transformation. By ensuring energy access in rural areas, it directly influences agriculture, fostering sustainable practices and contributing to a resilient food system. Furthermore, the proliferation of green energy enterprises, especially those led by women and youth through the REF, aligns with Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The focus on clean energy projects also addresses Goal 13: Climate Action by reducing emissions through the use of sustainable energy sources.

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UN Food Systems Task Force. 2025. Food Systems Thinking Guide for UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams – Working collectively towards food systems transformation.. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd0497en

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