Zambia and Zimbabwe to Host 2024 Summit on Sustainable Energy and Investment Opportunities
From November 18-20, 2024, the Zimbabwe-Zambia (Zim-Zam) Energy Projects Summit will convene government leaders, private investors, and energy stakeholders in Victoria Falls under the theme Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Renewables, Grid Modernization, and Energy Access.
The summit, held under the patronage of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development and sponsored by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), underscores the importance of regional partnerships for energy resilience.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are intensifying efforts to attract investments in renewable energy sectors such as solar, geothermal, and wind to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power.
This event is expected to foster meaningful policy changes and technological advancements to support sustainable economic growth.
Edington Mazambani, CEO of ZERA, emphasized the summit’s significance, stating, “The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit embodies our commitment to a sustainable future. Together, we will explore vast opportunities in renewables, modernize our grids, and ensure energy access for all.”
Zambia’s Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has already invested $1.76 billion in energy sector initiatives, aimed at mitigating drought-related power shortages and upgrading grid infrastructure.
Key participants include representatives from the Ministries of Energy of both countries, utility providers like ZESCO and ZESA Holdings, and financial institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and British International Investment (BII). Sponsors, including Marsh and Vinmart Group, are focusing on addressing infrastructure challenges, mitigating risks, and creating an environment conducive to accelerated project development.
Manoj Patil, Director of Mining Engineering Services at Vinmart, remarked, “This is a vital opportunity to engage in discussions that will unlock energy and infrastructure opportunities, driving economic growth and a cleaner energy future.”
With a focus on addressing the pressing needs for sustainable energy solutions and investment, the summit is poised to establish a roadmap for a reliable and environmentally resilient energy future for Zimbabwe and Zambia.