ZiG7bn to switch on rural institutions

ZIMBABWE’S push to achieve universal electrification of public institutions has entered its final phase, with the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) committing the bulk of its 2026 budget to completing outstanding connections in schools and health facilities.

The accelerated programme aims to close the infrastructure gap in rural areas, where unreliable electricity has long constrained education and healthcare delivery. With thousands of schools and clinics already connected, authorities say the focus has now shifted to clearing the backlog before year-end under a government directive for full electrification of all public institutions.

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