derick.khumalo
Sikhulekelani Moyo
[email protected]
THE 2026 edition of the Southern Africa Eco-Infrastructure Summit 2026 has received official endorsement from Ministry of Energy and Power Development, with organisers saying the development positions the event as a major platform for unlocking green and artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure investment across the region.
The summit will be held in Victoria Falls from July 15 to 17 under the theme, “Reimagining Southern Africa’s Future: AI-Driven Eco-Infrastructure for Sustainable Real Estate and Development” and the sub-theme, “Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy as Enablers of Sustainable Infrastructure and Real Estate Development.”
Organisers said the ministry’s endorsement aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen energy security, promote industrialisation and drive sustainable economic growth.
“As Lead Policy Ministry and Co-Host, the Ministry will play a central role in shaping discussions and facilitating engagement between government, investors, financiers, and project developers to unlock strategic infrastructure opportunities across Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African region,” SAEIS said in a statement.
The organisers added that the planned participation of the Minister, Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary from the ministry elevates SAEIS 2026 into one of the region’s most strategically aligned eco-infrastructure investment platforms.
The three-day summit is expected to bring together government leaders, municipalities, investors, development finance institutions, utility companies, real estate developers, technology providers, sustainability experts, academics and private sector executives from across Africa and beyond.
Delegates will participate in high-level panel discussions, exhibitions, networking sessions, project showcases, investment matchmaking initiatives and strategic deal signings.
Key focus areas will include decarbonisation, capital mobilisation, public-private partnerships, smart infrastructure, digitalisation, climate resilience, sustainable urban development and AI-enabled infrastructure.
One of the major highlights of the summit will be the SAEIS Investment Arena Challenge, described by organisers as Southern Africa’s first live eco-infrastructure investment pitching platform and a “Shark Tank for Infrastructure”.
Ten shortlisted projects from across the region will pitch directly to investors, development finance institutions, corporate executives, ministers and infrastructure specialists seeking bankable projects for funding, partnerships and implementation support.
The projects will cover sectors including clean energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, climate-resilient development, smart cities, digital connectivity, water and sanitation services, and sustainable real estate.
According to organisers, the initiative is designed to accelerate project implementation by connecting developers directly with decision-makers and funding partners under one roof.
The summit will also feature a dedicated Future Leaders Track, which will provide universities, research institutions, start-ups, innovators and young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present ideas and technologies aimed at shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
SAEIS also highlighted the participation of Caroline Adriaensen and representatives from Greenpeace Africa, who are expected to contribute an independent accountability perspective to discussions on investment, climate action, environmental sustainability and responsible infrastructure development.
Organisers said the participation of development partners and civil society organisations reinforces the summit’s commitment to balanced transparent and solutions-driven dialogue.
SAEIS 2026 is expected to attract delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, further strengthening the reputation of Victoria Falls as a leading destination for international investment dialogue, innovation and sustainable development.
“By combining high-level policy engagement with live investment opportunities, the summit aims to catalyse new partnerships and position Southern Africa as a globally competitive destination for eco-infrastructure investment,” SAEIS said.
