Victoria Falls Set for 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Summit

Zimbabwe is set to host the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week, scheduled for February in Victoria Falls, an event expected to deepen regional collaboration and attract fresh investment into renewable energy.

 

The high-profile forum will draw together heads of state, government officials, policymakers, investors, development partners and private sector stakeholders from across the region. Discussions will focus on expanding sustainable energy production to support industrial growth within SADC member states.

 

Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo, said the gathering would play a pivotal role in unlocking funding and fast-tracking the shift towards clean energy across the region.

 

“The 2026 Sustainable Energy Week will convene heads of state and key stakeholders to drive investment into renewable energy. Development partners, financial institutions, pension funds and energy investors will explore ways to boost power generation in support of regional industrialisation,” said Minister Moyo.

 

The event is expected to attract a wide spectrum of participants involved in renewable energy generation, infrastructure development and project financing, reflecting the region’s increasing focus on sustainable power solutions.

 

Power Giants chief executive officer, Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa, highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in closing existing power gaps.

 

“The private sector is central to solving energy challenges, but this requires an enabling investment climate. This platform will help address those concerns,” he said.

 

Lanforce Energy executive director, Ms Judith Marera, noted that the forum would also serve as a showcase for practical renewable energy initiatives already underway.

 

“Our company is involved in biogas energy production, and promoting renewable solutions is critical. We will participate as exhibitors, and delegates will tour one of our flagship projects in Victoria Falls to see our work firsthand,” she said.

 

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the conference. He has consistently advocated for regional cooperation to tackle energy shortages, a position he reiterated in his State of the Nation Address, where he called on SADC countries to jointly pursue sustainable energy development.

 

Zimbabwe is currently adding over 70 megawatts to the national grid through renewable energy projects, following Government initiatives designed to stimulate investment in the sector.