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Business Reporters
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in Zimbabwe will host the Mashonaland Central Solar Fair today at the Mount Darwin Town Centre. SNV Renewable Energy Sector head Mrs Chandirekera Makuyana said the Solar Expo, organised in partnership with Government, solar companies and provincial authorities, will bring together more than 25 major solar companies, to display products ranging from lights and solar home systems to agro-based solar solutions.

“The solar fair will create marketing spaces for SNV-trained youth entrepreneurs in partnership with the central distributors to engage the market and showcase the wide variety of holistic, quality solar products and solutions that are available and affordable.

“Over 40 youths have been trained in solar technology and business entrepreneurship in Mt Darwin and they will be exhibiting at this solar fair,” she said.

Mrs Mukuyana said SNV has struck strategic partnership agreements with key solar companies including Total Zimbabwe, Solar Shack, Samansco, Gemwitts and GreenDot.

“Total Zimbabwe in partnership with SNV have already trained 360 youth entrepreneurs drawn from rural and peri-urban communities in marketing of its new brand of lights and lanterns,” she said.

She added that the solar fairs will also include financial advisory support from financial Institutions including FBC Microplan, who will explain how customers who wish to install solar home systems can access finance.