Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in Victoria Falls
The unravelling fourth industrial revolution’s over-reliance on guaranteed clean and renewable energy has turned Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa into massive economic prospects and should now pace up energy provision innovations to maximise on potential, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He was speaking during the official opening of the ongoing 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Victoria Falls this morning, where he urged the region to seize the momentum created by a rapidly changing energy landscape to ensure it is not left behind in the fourth industrial revolution.
VP Chiwenga’s remarks are against a backdrop of high-level panels on renewable energy, regional grid integration and industrial policy anchored on energy as an enabler and regional cooperation as the engine for inclusive development.
“The global energy system is undergoing structural transformation. Capital flows are shifting and supply chains are being reconfigured,” said VP Chiwenga.
“Strategic and critical minerals are redefining the Global Geopolitics as we enter a 4th Industrial Revolution. Southern Africa must not be a spectator to this transition, we must shape it.
“I am gratified that this platform convenes policymakers, energy experts, academia, financiers, industry leaders and key stakeholders from across our region and beyond.
“This high-level convergence clearly signals one thing: that the region is ready to move from dialogue to delivery.”
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, said energy security and universal access remain fundamental enablers of regional integration, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
“The region’s total installed generation capacity currently stands at 83,055 MW, including 1,548 MW from our Oceanic Member States of Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles.
“While progress is clearly evident, we must continue to scale up investment, deepen regional cooperation and accelerate implementation to ensure that no Member State is left behind in our collective journey toward a resilient and energy-secure SADC,” said Mr Magosi.
