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Kachirekwa: A visionary engineer powering the future

His life is a story of grit, genius and greatness — a journey marked by struggle, brilliance and relentless service to Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.

FROM the dusty streets of Shamva to the global stage of energy transformation, Edzai Kachirekwa stands as a towering figure in engineering, clean energy, policy innovation and humanitarian leadership.

His life is a story of grit, genius and greatness — a journey marked by struggle, brilliance and relentless service to Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.

Dual honour from Kennedy University of Baptist — A legend recognised

On June 14, 2025, Kennedy University of Baptist (India), in partnership with its parent institution in Miami, Florida, USA, conferred upon Kachirekwa a rare double honour: an Honorary Doctor of Divinity in Philosophy, specialising in High-Voltage Transmission Lines Construction and Renewable Energy Generation, an academic qualification in the very field he has passionately advanced, acknowledging his ongoing academic and practical mastery.

This landmark recognition celebrates not only his lifetime achievements, but also his commitment to lifelong learning.

Kachirekwa is pursuing degrees in chemical engineering and mechanical engineering at a prestigious university in Russia, further demonstrating his unquenched thirst for knowledge and his desire to integrate multidisciplinary solutions for Africa’s energy future.

From street kid to Africa’s clean energy architect

Born in Shamva, raised in Greendale and Kuwadzana in Harare, Kachirekwa rose from a background of extreme hardship. As a former street child, he defied the odds to educate himself, first through the Zesa National Training Centre in partnership with the University of Zimbabwe, and now through global institutions.

His life is nothing short of a miracle of perseverance, proving that poverty is not a barrier to purpose.

Champion of African infrastructure and energy policy

As technical director of Power Giants Private Limited, Kachirekwa has led some of the most ambitious and transformative energy projects on the continent. They include deployment of 11kV–765kV high-voltage transmission lines across Zimbabwe and southern Africa; construction of the 100MW Kibwezi Solar Park in Kenya, in partnership with *GNEE (China); development of hybrid energy platforms, rooftop solar systems; microgrids for communities, industries, agriculture; and designing Zimbabwe’s clean energy roadmap, aiming toscale to 4 000MW of sustainable power.

Visionary behind Zimbabwe’s energy revolution

Kachirekwa played a key role at the May 2025 Energy Compact Indaba, where critical energy reforms were shaped. His leadership helped craft a national energy vision aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The key milestones include commitment to 1 100MW of renewable energy by 2030; feed-in tariffs of US$0,085 to US$0,11/kWh; long-term power purchase agreements of 20 to 25 years, indexed to hedge currency risk; and incentives for foreign ownership, tax holidays and profit repatriation.

Tireless global connector: Bringing investors to Zimbabwe

Kachirekwa is not just an engineer — he is a diplomatic bridge, working tirelessly to attract foreign investment into Zimbabwe’s energy sector. His efforts are already bearing fruit. They include collaboration with Indian investors to roll out a 500MW solar energy project, starting with a 50MW phase; partnering with other international investors to implement an initial 5MW solar project, with plans to scale; and positioning Zimbabwe as an energy investment hub open for clean, strategic and scalable projects.

Kachirekwa's ability to inspire investor confidence stems from his technical expertise, policy clarity, and unshakeable patriotism.

He is recognised globally for excellence in engineering, leadership and social impact. His accolades include Super Platinum Award — Zimbabwe CEOs Network (2024); Global Well-Respected CEO in Transmission  and Electricity Distribution — Qatar (2024); Excellent Strategic Business Leader — Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking (2024); Distinguished Clean Energy Champion — Zim Trailblazers (2023); and Big 15 Hall of Fame Inductee — Community Development (2025).

He holds key leadership roles such as president, Afro-Eurasia Energy Centre, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (Mashonaland East), secretary-general Entrepreneurs Network of Zimbabwe and founder of Power Giants, which has operations in over eight African countries.

A heart for the people: Community upliftment and social leadership

Kachirekwa’s humanitarian work is as impressive as his engineering feats. He was among the people behind the production of a national song featuring 12 musicians advocating against girl-child and boy-child abuse. Kachirekwa founded The Source Radio & TV House, promoting health, education and drug prevention; provided food aid to kombi drivers and conductors during the COVID-19 pandemFic; and led an anti-drug awareness campaign in Mabvuku–Tafara. He donated transformers to rural primary schools in Murewa, installed solar systems in underprivileged homes, and mentored youth entrepreneurs and small electrical firms across the country's provinces.

His partnerships with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s outreach programmes further amplify his reach in supporting the elderly, disabled and marginalised youth.

Policy architect and energy thought leader

Among his contributions are the introduction of the Mandatory Domestic Energy Fund Policy to ensure local capital fuels national energy development. He expanded Power Giants operations to more than eight African countries, building a pan-African energy movement and pioneering integrated energy solutions that blend technology, community and sustainability.

A living legend lighting Africa’s oath

Kachirekwa is not just an engineer — he is a builder of futures, a symbol of hope and a global force for good. From street corners to solar megawatts, he has stayed true to his calling: lighting up every home, every school and every dream in Africa.

He is not just powering grids — he is powering destinies.

As he continues to lead, innovate and inspire, Zimbabwe and Africa salute one of their brightest sons — a man whose life lights the way for generations to come.

 

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