Home Featured Tenga Solar: Revolutionising Solar energy use in Zimbabwe and beyond
FeaturedStartups

Tenga Solar: Revolutionising Solar energy use in Zimbabwe and beyond

Share
Share

Power outages are a common and growing concern in Africa. A case study showed over 600 million people in Africa do not have access to electricity and this has negatively impacted on economic growth. In recent years, Zimbabwe has faced similar challenges in the form of prolonged load shedding power cuts of up to 12 or more hours. A report by Word bank showed that power shortages in Zimbabwe cost the state 6.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) per year in excessive network losses, generation inefficiencies, production, and supply chain losses.

Various businesses including industries and SMEs have been forced to close or slowdown in terms of production. However, others have adopted the use of solar energy and solar power businesses have been thriving for the over 5 years, this is the case for Tenga Solar company in Zimbabwe.

Co-founded by Anorld Zingwena and wife, Sharon Chiware, Tenga Solar has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s leading businesses in the renewable energy sector through rooftop solar installations. Born and raised in the ghettos streets of Chitungwiza and Budiriro, Anorld Zingwena has transformed lives by becoming a pioneering solar entrepreneur. He revealed that he grew his skills by looking for mentors and studying DIY solar solutions which involve an individual setting up their own solar system with basic supplied material.

The rise of Tenga Solar

Anorld reveals on numerous occasions that he was inspired by Tenda bus services to name his company,”Tenga Solar”.

“People ask me how I was able to come up with a good name for our solar company, I was inspired by Tenda Bus Service”…Tenda was a big deal coming from Mutare, every family wanted to travel with Tenda…his name connects with the people…”, he notes.

Upon his realization that harnessing energy from the sun could change the whole reliance of businesses on electricity he established Tenga Solar with his spouse managing the sales and marketing side of business. He admits that Sharon met him with, “zero dollars” and together they built Tenga Solar.

Anorld’s path to success was also filled with challenges such as lack of funds and an audience that was not informed about the benefits of embracing renewable solar energy. This briefly affected Tenga Solar’s market growth.

To date, Tenga Solar has managed to install close to 2 megawatts of rooftops solar capacity. With the growing demand of solar energy consumption, Tenga Solar has expanded its business and introduced new services which include water siting, solar systems’ fix and supply, borehole drilling and water testing among others. In May, 2024 Tenga Solar company announced their move to a new location to try and accommodate their growing business’s demands.

Some of Anorld Zingwena’s notable achievements include winning the young corporate director award at the Institute of Corporate Directors Excellence awards in 2023.Tenga solar has exhibited their products at the Harare Agricultural Show, offering expert advice and giving out quotations to potential customers leading to the company’s gradual growth. Tenga Solar was also awarded for its significant contribution in the outstanding service Innovation of the Year category at the Technology and Innovation Excellence Awards in 2022.

Anorld envisions a Zimbabwe where people will rely on the sun as the only source of energy. His passion for venturing into the solar system business come from a deep understanding of the power crisis in Zimbabwe and Africa at large.  His aim is to provide energy access to every Zimbabwean including those in rural and underdeveloped areas. Zingwena has established himself as both a local and International entrepreneur through partnerships with reputable enterprises like Sumry, a Chinese manufacturer of solar inverters, controllers, lithium batteries and portable UPS systems. Anorld’s renewable energy endeavours will ensure a continuous supply of a clean and renewable energy source. Solar energy use will also allow Zimbabwean citizens to live in pollution-free environments and reduce unreasonable costs of electricity bills.

Share
Related Articles

From PA Dreams to Golf Guru: Nyasha’s Ace Stroke

It was a typical day at the office for Nyasha Joseph Gara,...

NINTAI Aquaculture: Pioneering Shrimp Farming for Africa’s Future

In the rapidly evolving world of aquaculture, pioneers like NINTAI Aquaculture Founder...

Khassim Mtunda: Transforming Education in the Digital Age with Letis Platforms

Born in the vibrant Tanzanian town of Shinyanga and raised in that...

Nigel Makumbirofa: Driving Innovation Through Blockchain and Sustainability

Growing up in Zimbabwe, Nigel Makumbirofa faced societal expectations that leaned heavily...