By Aldridge Dzvene
Harare, Zimbabwe — Rainbow Tourism Group is accelerating its transition towards sustainable energy after announcing plans to invest in a 2 megawatt solar power system at its flagship Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre in 2026.
The development marks a significant step in the Group’s long-term sustainability strategy, which places renewable energy and environmental responsibility at the core of its operations. The planned solar installation is expected to generate approximately 2.9 million kilowatt-hours annually and will be grid-tied, allowing excess power to be fed into the national grid, contributing to Zimbabwe’s broader energy resilience.
Board Chairperson Douglas Hoto said the investment builds on tangible gains already achieved through earlier renewable energy initiatives. Over the past year, the Group’s Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre solar plant generated 270,984 kilowatt-hours of clean energy, delivering a 31 percent reduction in energy costs.
The expansion to Rainbow Towers signals a shift from pilot-scale sustainability efforts to large-scale energy transformation within the Group’s operations. It reflects a deliberate alignment with global Environmental, Social and Governance principles, which RTG has embedded across its business units, capital investments, and governance structures.
Beyond energy generation, the Group is intensifying resource efficiency measures across its properties. Its Green Stays programme has already delivered measurable reductions in energy, water, and chemical consumption, particularly in the last quarter of the financial year. Infrastructure upgrades are also incorporating modern systems such as low-flow flushing technology, reducing water usage significantly, alongside smart key card systems designed to optimise electricity consumption in guest rooms.
These interventions demonstrate a holistic approach to sustainability, where operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, and cost management converge to strengthen long-term value creation.
RTG’s renewable energy push comes at a time when Zimbabwe is prioritising alternative energy solutions to ease pressure on the national grid and support industrial productivity. By integrating solar energy into its core operations, the Group is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism and hospitality within the region.
The company’s sustainability agenda is further reinforced by continued investment in human capital development and community-focused initiatives, ensuring that its growth trajectory remains inclusive and socially responsible.
As the hospitality sector evolves in response to climate and energy challenges, RTG’s strategy underscores a broader industry shift towards sustainability-driven growth, where environmental responsibility is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage rather than a regulatory obligation.
