As the sun shines high above the hill at Africa University, its light and heat are absorbed by hundreds of rectangular panels that enable the institution to live up to its vision of ensuring the lights will never go out on its ministry.
The United Methodist university has achieved a new milestone in a quest to harness sustainable green energy and escape from the incessant power shedding currently bedeviling the whole country with some areas only getting six hours of electricity a day.
“We now have an abundance of energy from a source which never runs out,” said Vice Chancellor Peter M. Mageto.
“The construction of the solar plant is a declaration that AU is investing not only in renewable energy, but also the future of the people,” he said.
The massive 250-kilowatt solar power plant, with 576 solar panels and generating enough electricity to power about 600 households, fulfills one of the institution’s strategic objectives for 2025.
Renewable Energy Lights Up Campus
Africa University’s solar project is the first of its kind and the largest in Manicaland province, where the school is located, and the first among institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe.
The $400,000 project, which was wholly funded by Africa University Tennessee Inc., through undesignated endowment funds, will save substantially in electricity costs each month and demonstrates Africa University’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Bills from the national power supplier averaged $20,000 per month before the school established its solar plant.
With renewable energy, the whole campus has more reliable power, the institution’s laboratories can run longer and data centers can be used more efficiently. Fuel-powered generators that required about $600 to run every day have been switched off resulting in operational sustainability.
James H. Salley, president and chief executive officer of Africa University Tennessee Inc. and associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement for the university, celebrated the project, which was completed in a record 26 days.
“This effort at sustainability — this innovative project — serves as a model for sustainable innovation across the Manicaland province, the country of Zimbabwe, the southern Africa region and the continent of Africa,” he said.
“It aligns with the university’s strategic plan, and it accentuates a green campus evolution that leads to sustainability and environmental protection.”
Salley said he was grateful the university did not hire someone from outside the institution to manage or protect the massive investment, instead letting Garikayi use his engineering background to serve as the project manager.
“It’s no accident that Africa University built this plant under the Cross and Flame. The lights will never go out at Africa University,” he said.
With the landmark installation of the solar plant, Africa University has reinforced its position as a pacesetter, lighting the way for Africa’s future.
Your Generous Support Helps Educate Africa
By supporting the Africa University Fund apportionment, you help provide financial support for the general operating expenses of Africa University. This university helps empower students from across the continent of Africa to give back to their individual countries on their return home. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News correspondent based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This story shows the impact of the Africa University Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to equip new generations of leaders for the African continent. Your church’s giving supports Africa University in Zimbabwe, where students from across Africa receive higher education rooted in faith, excellence, and service. Together, we help shape leaders who transform their nations and communities.
When your church supports the Africa University Fund, you empower students to become changemakers grounded in hope and faith.
