The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Summit in Victoria Falls highlights solar power and cross-border collaboration as solutions to regional energy challenges. Stakeholders aim to address power shortages caused by low water levels at the Kariba Dam through renewable energy and grid modernization.
Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future
Zimbabwe and Zambia are set to transform their energy landscapes through solar power and cross-border collaboration. Experts at the ongoing Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit have emphasised that renewable energy is the key to overcoming regional power shortages.
The summit, running under the theme Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Renewables, Grid Modernisation and Energy Access, has brought together stakeholders to address energy challenges.
The event — held in Victoria Falls — highlights the importance of solar energy in solving electricity shortages caused by low water levels at the Kariba Dam. Both countries have been struggling with power outages, impacting industries and households.
Harnessing Solar Energy to Alleviate Power Shortages
EnergyNet Limited’s Abdoulaye Sylla, one of the summit’s organisers, emphasised the potential of solar energy for Zimbabwe and Zambia. Speaking to NewsDay Business, Sylla said, “Zimbabwe and Zambia should leverage their vast land and high solar insulation to develop solar energy.”
He explained that both nations have unique opportunities to tap into renewable energy. Zimbabwe’s underutilised land is ideal for hosting solar farms, while Zambia’s northern region enjoys abundant sunlight. “Solar energy can be a game-changer,” Sylla noted. “The region has favourable conditions, and collaboration between the two countries can create a blueprint for other African nations.”
The summit aims to foster regional energy trade and modernise infrastructure. Sylla highlighted that both Zimbabwe and Zambia could benefit from their strategic positions within the Southern African energy grid. “Zambia is interconnected with countries like South Africa, the DRC, and Tanzania,” he said. “It can enhance its role as an electricity exporter. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, can stabilise its energy supply through regional trade.”
The Kariba Dam — which both countries rely on for hydroelectric power — presents opportunities for modernization. Sylla stressed the need to expand infrastructure while focusing on renewable energy solutions.
Attracting Investment in Renewable Energy
The energy summit has attracted key stakeholders including government ministries, utility companies, regulators, and international financiers. Discussions centre on creating an attractive investment environment and leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions. The bi-annual event also aims to establish a clear risk mitigation framework for energy projects.
Sylla emphasised that collaboration between the two nations could unlock vast opportunities. He pointed out that solar energy is not the only avenue to explore. Hydropower, supported by the Zambezi River and Kariba Dam, remains a significant resource. “Hydropower is essential, but we must diversify energy sources,” Sylla said. “Combining solar, hydro, and regional trade will ensure a stable and sustainable energy future.”
The energy summit also focuses on grid modernization and universal energy access. Stakeholders discussed strategies to create an efficient energy system that supports industrial growth and meets the needs of local communities.
Energy Summit: A Blueprint for Africa
The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit sets a precedent for other African nations. By promoting renewable energy and regional cooperation, Zimbabwe and Zambia are paving the way for sustainable energy solutions. The energy summit — which ends Thursday — serves as a call to action for both nations to prioritise solar energy development. With favourable sunlight conditions and vast land resources, the potential for transformation is immense.
As Zimbabwe and Zambia work toward a sustainable energy future, the lessons learned from this collaboration could inspire other countries in the region. The focus on renewable energy, grid modernization, and cross-border partnerships ensures a brighter future for the energy sector in Southern Africa.
The ongoing energy summit in Victoria Falls has spotlighted the potential of solar energy to address power shortages in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Experts, stakeholders, and investors are united in their goal to transform the energy sector through collaboration and innovation.
By embracing solar power and modernising infrastructure, the two nations aim to overcome their energy challenges and set an example for the continent. As the energy summit concludes, the focus remains on building a sustainable and resilient energy future for Zimbabwe, Zambia, and beyond.