📰 For this and more exclusive stories, read our weekly digital print edition.
Read E-PaperZimbabwe and Zambia are intensifying efforts to diversify their electricity generation portfolios and strengthen regional power infrastructure, with solar and hybrid energy projects expected to take centre stage at the third Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Livingstone next month.
The November 3–5 meeting, organised by EnergyNet at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, comes as both countries seek sustainable solutions to rising industrial electricity demand, climate-related risks to hydropower generation and the need for increased private investment.
Running under the theme, “Celebrating How Zambia and Zimbabwe Have Unlocked FDI Through Connectivity, Credibility and Cooperation,” the summit will bring together policymakers, utilities, financiers and energy developers to discuss projects capable of improving electricity supply and supporting economic growth.
EnergyNet Group Deputy Director for Africa Abdoulaye Sylla said the two countries had reached a critical point in their energy development, with renewable energy and regulatory reforms creating opportunities for investors.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe are at a critical moment in their energy development. The urgent need to diversify away from climate-vulnerable hydro towards solar and hybrid solutions, combined with bold regulatory reforms in open access, wheeling and private sector participation, has positioned both countries as compelling investment destinations,” Sylla said.
He said the focus should now shift from identifying opportunities to implementing projects, attracting foreign direct investment and improving the bankability of independent power producer initiatives.
“We need to move beyond discussions to unlocking FDI, de-risking IPP frameworks and accelerating bankable projects and cross-border infrastructure. The opportunity is clear, but the priority now must be delivery,” he said.
Solar developments expected to feature in the summit’s programme include Chisamba Solar and Kariba Floating Solar, alongside other projects aimed at expanding generation capacity and supporting industrial consumers.
The discussions will also cover mining-related energy requirements, with the Lumwana Super Pit and Kansanshi S3 expansion among the projects expected to inform deliberations on electricity demand and future infrastructure requirements.
Zambia’s mining industry has become an important driver of demand for dependable electricity, while Zimbabwe is also seeking to increase generation capacity and encourage greater private-sector participation in its energy market.
ZESA Holdings has reported 635 megawatts (MW) of private generation capacity under construction in Zimbabwe, with another 730MW progressing towards financial close.
In Zambia, Copperbelt Energy Corporation has financed the second phase of its Itimpi project through a green bond programme on local capital markets. First Quantum Minerals is also working with independent power producers to supply its mining operations.
These developments highlight the growing role of private capital and alternative financing arrangements in expanding electricity infrastructure.
However, increasing generation capacity alone will not resolve the region’s energy challenges. Effective transmission networks, cross-border interconnectors and coordinated electricity markets will be essential to moving power between countries and matching supply with demand.
Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking head of project finance in energy and infrastructure Sherrill Byrne said regional cooperation could help countries make better use of their different energy resources.
“Regional integration is essential to unlocking Africa’s full power and renewable-energy potential. Stronger cross-border transmission networks and coordinated markets will allow countries to share diverse energy resources and improve the region’s energy supply,” Byrne said.
She said closer coordination could also attract long-term investment, while aligning regulation, planning and infrastructure development would help accelerate the delivery of reliable and affordable electricity.
The summit will examine the role of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) in strengthening regional electricity connectivity and facilitating power trading between participating markets.
Bowmans partner Aleem Tharani said progress in regional interconnection and investor-friendly regulatory frameworks was helping create opportunities for new energy transactions.
“Southern Africa is proving that interconnection through SAPP and a credible, investor-friendly regulatory environment translate directly into deal flow,” Tharani said.
He added that projects were reaching financial close, lenders were supporting new electricity offtake models, and private capital was increasingly moving into transmission and power trading.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo and Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment Dr Gilbert Siame are expected to lead government-level discussions at the meeting.
They will be joined by senior officials from both countries, including ZESA Holdings Group chief executive Cletus Nyachowe, alongside representatives of utilities, development finance institutions, independent power producers and energy investors.
The programme is expected to explore financing structures and partnerships that can move planned generation and transmission projects towards construction, while addressing the regulatory and infrastructure requirements for stronger regional electricity markets.
For both countries, the transition towards a more diversified energy mix is closely linked to industrial competitiveness, investment attraction and long-term energy security.
The summit will provide an opportunity to assess how renewable energy development, private-sector participation and cross-border cooperation can complement existing generation resources and help meet Southern Africa’s growing electricity requirements.
With the next phase of investment dependent on bankable projects and effective implementation, the central challenge facing Zimbabwe and Zambia will be turning their energy ambitions into infrastructure that delivers reliable power to businesses, industries and communities.
