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Masiyiwa’s DPA clinches huge 4MW rooftop solar project in Kenya

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BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

The Strive Masiyiwa-ownedDistributed Power Africa (DPA), a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, and a French multinational power utility firm Électricité de France (EDF), have clinched a deal to construct a  four megawatt (MW) solar plant in Kenya.

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 The two companies, which co-own DPA Kenya, on Thursday signed an agreement with the Devki Group to provide renewable energy solutions for a factory based at Nairobi. Under the agreement, DPA Kenya will deploy a 4MWp rooftop solar plant at the Ruiru Devki steel manufacturing site.

The Devki Group is one of the largest manufacturers of steel, roofing sheets and cement in Kenya.

With several factories spread across the country, the Group’s decision to switch to renewable energy will reduce their operating costs and their carbon footprint.

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Norman Moyo, the chief executive officer of DPA, said the solar rooftop project – a first-of-its-kind in Kenya – will generate 6.16 GWh of power per annum for Devki’s operations.

“DPA Kenya has great success after only one and half years of activity and has become a major player with a wide range of industries and services sites in operation.

“Our objective is to meet our clients’ needs with a tailor-made service and state-of-the-art offers.

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“It is an inspiring example of our ambitions in eastern and southern Africa for our commercial and industrial clients,” Moyo said at the signing ceremony that took place at Devki Riuru premises this week.

“DPA Kenya will execute the 4MWp project in Ruiru through a 20-year lease agreement with The Devki Group.

“The company will finance, design, deploy, operate and maintain the solar plant which is the first of other solar projects under study for The Devki Group,” he said.

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Moyo noted that DPA Kenya has been engaging commercial and industrial businesses in Kenya to adopt hybrid solar energy and lithium battery technology for energy resilience, increased business efficiency and improved carbon footprints.

Speaking at the same occasion, Narendra Raval, executive chairman of the Devki Group of Companies, said high electricity costs were driving manufacturers into losses and reneweable energy is the only long term solution.

“We are looking forward to making our operations sustainable to allow for greater efficiency, business continuity during power outages and cost savings,” he said.

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Raval added that the Devki Group plans to install solar power amounting to 20MW on some of the company’s factories.

“We want to set an example on the continent that we can do it using renewable energy,” he said.

Valérie Levkov, senior vice president for Africa and Middle East at EDF, said her company was pleased to be deeply involved in the biggest solar rooftop project in Kenya, applying the highest health social and safety standards.

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“This partnership represents an opportunity for EDF and DPA to deliver low-carbon energy solutions suitable for Devki needs, using Kenyan companies as sub-contractors,” she added.

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National

Migration on the rise: Matabeleland North tops outbound movement in latest ZimLAC report

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINK

Matabeleland North has recorded some of the highest levels of migration in Zimbabwe, with 12.6% of households moving to urban areas and 7.8% leaving the country, according to the 2024–2025 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) report.

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The figures highlight a growing trend in which families are uprooting in search of work, education, and better living conditions, with the province’s migration rate well above the national averages of 9.9% for rural-to-urban moves and 5.0% for emigration.

For many in Matabeleland North, economic necessity drives these decisions.

“I had to send my son to Bulawayo because there was simply no work here,” said Thabani Ncube, a smallholder farmer in Lupane. “Even piece jobs have dried up. At least in town, he can hustle and maybe support the family.”

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The ZimLAC report shows that employment opportunities are the leading reason behind rural-to-urban migration nationally (6.3%). In Matabeleland North, 7.7% cited education as the next big pull factor, followed by new residential land and improved living standards.

Experts warn that while migration can bring relief through remittances, it also risks hollowing out rural communities.

“This trend is a double-edged sword,” explained Dr. Nomalanga Sibanda, a livelihoods researcher in Bulawayo. “Families may benefit from remittances, but local economies lose critical labour and skills. Over time, this weakens resilience in rural districts.”

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Other Provinces: Contrasting Patterns

Matabeleland South recorded the highest rate of emigration, with 13.5% of households reporting that members had left the country — nearly triple the national average. Masvingo followed closely, with 16.5% moving to towns and 7.7% leaving for the diaspora.

Meanwhile, Mashonaland Central had the lowest levels of outward movement, with just 4.4% moving to towns and 1.0% emigrating.

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Midlands also stood out, with 12.9% shifting to urban areas and 6.2% relocating abroad, driven mainly by job opportunities and schooling.

National Picture

Across Zimbabwe, nearly one in ten households (9.9%) reported rural-to-urban migration, while 5% indicated emigration outside the country. Employment, education, and improved living standards remain the strongest motivators.

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For ordinary families, the story is about survival and hope.

“My husband left for South Africa last year,” said Memory Dube of Gwanda, Matabeleland South. “He sends money when he can, but life is tough there too. Still, we rely on that income to buy food and pay school fees.”

ZimLAC, which advises the government through the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC), says the data will guide evidence-based interventions. The report stresses that migration trends are not just statistics, but reflect deeper issues of economic opportunity, resilience, and service delivery across provinces.

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National

Zimbabwe selected for groundbreaking HIV prevention initiative

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced an exciting development in the fight against HIV: Zimbabwe has been selected as one of the ten countries globally to roll out lenacapavir, a breakthrough in HIV prevention.

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“Yes Zimbabwe, it’s happening!” the embassy declared, highlighting the significance of this initiative.

“For decades, we’ve fought to turn the tide against this epidemic, and each day we get closer,” the statement continued. This new treatment represents a pivotal moment in HIV prevention efforts, as it is the first twice-yearly HIV prevention medicine.

The implementation of lenacapavir is made possible through a partnership with U.S.-based Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund. A key finding from a large-scale clinical trial shows that more than 99% of people on lenacapavir remained HIV negative. While this has the potential to save millions of lives, the Embassy emphasized that for Zimbabwe, it represents a major step toward ending new infections.

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“But this is more than medicine—it advances us on a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future!” noted the embassy’s announcement.

The initiative particularly focuses on pregnant and breastfeeding women, aiming to protect the next generation. It will also work toward strengthening healthcare systems, empowering Zimbabwe to lead its own fight against HIV. Moreover, the goal of making lenacapavir more affordable and accessible ensures that no one is left behind.

The embassy highlighted, “This is American leadership at its best: driving innovation, and building a world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive.”

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As this initiative rolls out, the message is clear: “Together, we’re not just fighting HIV—we’re winning.”

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In the community

Avoid nightime movement and stoning elephants, communities told

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Following a recent spate of human-wildlife conflict incidents, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo has urged communities to exercise caution when encountering wild animals.

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Farawo emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations with elephants, particularly when they encroach into community areas. “We would like to urge members of the communities to avoid throwing stones at elephants,” he said. “This action agitates them, leading to attacks on people.”

In addition to avoiding confrontations, Farawo advised community members to minimize movement at night, as this is when wild animals are most active. “We would like to urge communities to avoid moving at night to minimize casualties,” he said.

Farawo’s comments come after a 79-year-old man from Hwange was killed by an elephant yesterday. The incident is still under investigation by rangers. This is the second fatal incident in the area, following the death of another man who was attacked by an elephant while on his way to work in Hwange town several weeks ago.

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