Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Victoria Falls
ALL is set for the official opening of the sixth edition of the International Renewable Energy Conference in Victoria Falls, which will coincide with the launch of the strategic National Energy Efficiency Policy.
President Mnangagwa was initially scheduled to lead the gathering, which will also be attended by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, under the theme: “Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future.”
The high-level conference underscores the country’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions as a pathway to sustainable economic development. Local and international energy stakeholders, diverse developmental partners and financiers, among other strategic energy players, are participating.
Among the key speakers are Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo, his deputy Yeukai Simbanegavi and the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr Gloria Magombo.
Also set to speak are the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development permanent secretary Rudo Chitiga, Artificial Intelligence Institute Africa chairman Dennis Magaya, Zera research and energy efficiency engineer Victor Sibanda, and Unesco renewable energy specialist, Malvern Matongo.
Key topics on the agenda include local financing of renewable energy projects and the role of developmental partners and local banks in advancing renewables. Women in renewable energy, carbon credit trading, electric vehicles, the circular economy and clean energy solutions for the industrial sector, will also be under the spotlight.
Additional discussions will focus on accelerating green jobs, investment in green energy infrastructure, battery value chains, financing the climate stack, youth and innovation and the role of artificial intelligence in the energy transition.
The conference marks a major milestone with the official launch of the National Energy Efficiency Policy, a key initiative aimed at driving sustainable energy practices across the country.
Approved by Cabinet in October 2024, the National Energy Efficiency Policy seeks to implement comprehensive energy-saving programmes to support Zimbabwe’s transition toward an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, in line with Vision 2030.
It is anchored on the pillars of sustainability, accessibility, affordability, gender equity and employment creation.
Its key objective is to promote an integrated, data-driven approach to energy efficiency that contributes to broader socio-economic development.
The conference comes shortly after the country launched its first Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) platform, a landmark initiative developed in collaboration with the Africa Institute for Carbon Trading and Sustainability (AICTS) and Silver Carbon.
Zimbabwe has abundant renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal and hydro.
However, low water levels at the Kariba Dam due to an El Niño-induced drought and ongoing breakdowns at the Hwange Thermal Power Station have worsened power shortages in the country.
Recently, the country completed 13 energy generation projects, producing a combined output of over 430 megawatts (MW), within the 100-day cycle of 2025.
These projects, comprising a mix of solar and thermal power, highlight the impact of the Second Republic’s reforms and the growing role of independent power producers, including listed companies and tertiary institutions.
Last year, a US$45 million fund was created through a partnership between the Government and the private sector to expedite investment in renewable energy in a bid to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The partnership also launched a climate tagging system, known as the development projects management information system, to enhance accountability and transparency for trading in carbon credits.
