Staff Reporter
Speaking during the historic inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia (Zim-Zam) Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls yesterday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who was the Guest of Honour at the event, said as the two countries look to the future, renewable energy will play a central role in our energy transition.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe and Zambia are well-positioned to lead the charge in renewable energy, with vast untapped resources in solar, wind and hydro.
“The global shift toward cleaner energy is already underway, and it is imperative that both of our nations embrace this transition, not only to meet today’s energy needs but also to build a clean, sustainable and resilient energy future,” urged VP Chiwenga.
He further stated that the Summit presents Zimbabwe and Zambia with a unique opportunity to build on the progress already made between the two nations.
“Together, we can create a model of regional cooperation that can serve as a beacon for others, demonstrating how to enhance energy resilience, promote sustainability, and accelerate industrial growth”, VP Chiwenga said.
In addition, VP Chiwenga revealed that Zimbabwe is currently developing an integrated energy resource plan that will identify energy resources and chart an optimal development path, with a balanced energy mix that reduces dependence on a single source.
Furthermore, VP Chiwenga emphasised on public-private partnerships, such as Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT), and Repair-Operate-Transfer (ROT), to leverage international expertise while simultaneously empowering local industries to take an active role in the growth and development of the energy sector.
“The future of energy in Zimbabwe and Zambia is full of promise, but realizing this potential will require a clear vision, strong collaboration and unwavering commitment. The conversations and agreements forged at this Summit will lay the foundation for a new chapter in the energy development of both our nations,” said VP Chiwenga.
The Zim-Zam Summit showcased the long-standing partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia, emphasizing the shared goal of fostering sustainable development. Both nations, blessed with abundant natural resources, pledged to work together to harness renewable energy, modernize power grids and expand access to electricity in underserved areas. On the other hand, rural electrification projects such as Zimbabwe’s solar mini-grids and Zambia’s power distribution expansion programs were celebrated for their potential to improve education, healthcare and agricultural productivity.
