Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Summit 2024: Key Highlights and Strategic Goals

The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Summit 2024 continued its vital discussions on regional energy development, with ZESA and ZESCO presenting updates on their respective energy sectors. Held in a hybrid format, the summit attracted delegates from both countries to address pressing energy challenges and explore joint solutions.

ZESA highlighted its efforts to modernize Zimbabwe’s energy infrastructure and reduce load shedding, while also emphasizing the growing role of renewable energy, such as solar and hydroelectric power, in the country’s energy future. ZESCO, in turn, shared Zambia’s progress in expanding grid connectivity, increasing generation capacity, and diversifying into renewables like solar and wind to ensure long-term energy security.

A major focus of the summit is the strategic roadmap for Vision 2030, outlined by Dr. Sydney Zikuzo Gata, Executive Chairmen ZESA holdings. Dr. Gata emphasized the importance of energy access, reliability, and affordability in achieving the countries’ economic and sustainable development goals. Key objectives highlighted included addressing the connections backlog to ensure millions of households are connected to the grid, ending load shedding, ending power imports, commencing net power exports, improving public lighting and achieving universal access to electricity and data.

The presentations shared sense of optimism, as delegates discussed how both nations could work together to overcome energy challenges and build a more sustainable, interconnected energy future. With clear action plans in place, Zimbabwe and Zambia are committed to unlocking the potential of their energy sectors to drive economic growth and regional cooperation.

By Witness A. Phiri