Zimbabwe-Zambia Join Forces to Power a Sustainable Future: VP Chiwenga Officially Opens Energy Projects Summit

By Ilyana Sithole

The Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Hon. General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, today officiated at the official opening of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit at Elephant Hills Resort. Running from 18 to 20 November 2024, the summit aims to link investors with various opportunities existing and those likely to be developed in different future energy projects in Zimbabwe and Zambia. It sets the course for collaboration under this year’s theme: “Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Renewables, Grid Modernization, and Energy Access.”.

In his keynote address, Dr. Chiwenga indicated that the energy sector is instrumental in driving economic development by ensuring that all citizens have access to sustainable energy. He welcomed the attendance of delegates across the sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, and international stakeholders, noting the urgency of addressing energy security with the world currently abuzz with issues of sustainability.

“This summit comes at a time when our energy sector faces both significant opportunities and tremendous challenges,” said Dr Chiwenga. He noted that Zimbabwe and Zambia, which were endowed with abundant natural resources, were supposed to work together in improving energy stability in Southern Africa.

He underlined the huge potential that both countries had for renewable resources, citing solar, wind, and hydroelectric power as some of the key areas for potential. He added that projects like the Kariba Dam were indicative of present commitments toward securing clean energy for future generations.

Dr. Chiwenga called for original ways of ensuring increased access to energy, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the citizens still lack reliable electricity. He added that access to energy remains a fundamental right since this fuels education, healthcare, and economic growth.

The summit thus provides a platform for partnerships and investment opportunities, particularly in major renewable projects. Dr. Chiwenga said Zimbabwe is developing an integrated energy resource plan to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on no single source.

He hinted that attention would be placed on three key areas in order to influence the steps to be taken in the energy sectors of both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Key discussions will dwell on seeking investment opportunities through favorable policies and public-private partnerships, nationally and internationally. The upgrade of power transmission and distribution networks for uninhibited electricity trade across borders will also be discussed. Accordingly, technological development regarding smart grids and energy storage solutions will be discussed during the summit with a view to ensuring better management of energy resources toward a more sustainable and efficient energy future.

Dr. Chiwenga concluded his address by calling upon the participants to make a pledge toward a common vision in the future of energy perspectives in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. He called for cooperation among all stakeholders in the quest to maximize their available natural resources, achieve transformation into resilient energy systems, and subsequently ensure a sustainable energy future for coming generations.

Throughout the summit, participants will be deliberating on the ways of building collaboration and innovation that can unlock enormous opportunities for both countries in the energy sectors.