Staff Reporter

The on-going Zimbabwe-Zambia (Zim-Zam) Energy Projects Summit, being held in Victoria Falls, brought together key stakeholders from both nations to discuss and explore collaborative opportunities in the energy sector.

The Zim-Zam Summit showcased the immense potential for regional energy cooperation. Delegates, including government officials, energy experts and private sector representatives, engaged in insightful discussions on a range of topics, such as renewable energy sources, hydroelectric power and energy efficiency.

While deliberating at the event, the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable Edgar Moyo said, the Ministry’s vision is to ensure universal access to modern, reliable and affordable energy services, while promoting economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability by 2030. He stated that, “As a Ministry, we have put in place a robust policy and institutional framework to ensure that we achieve our energy goals by the year 2030. We intend to upgrade our grid network to minimise the energy loses and to make it more modern and more climate smart.” His Zambian counterpart, Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, confirmed that the two countries are going through difficult times in terms of power shortages and called for strengthening of regional access to clean energy.

While giving her remarks, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Zimbabwe Rural Electrification (REA), Felister Mukumbinde highlighted the need for “blended finance” from the private sector and developmental agency aimed at funding rural electrification. On the other hand, CEO of Zambia Mini-Grid Initiative, Power & Climate Team, Rockefeller Foundation, Richard Harrison, disclosed that about 600 million people in Africa have no reliable electricity. He emphasised the use of subsidies to enhance energy access in the region. More-so, the Executive Director of Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), Steven Dziva, called for increased transmission lines to ensure smooth movement of energy.

The Zim-Zam Energy Projects Summit stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that cooperation, innovation and determination can drive sustainable development. By leveraging their strengths and forging lasting alliances, Zimbabwe and Zambia will light the way towards a brighter, greener and more prosperous future for the region.