Online Reporter
A cross-section of prominent energy experts, policymakers, financiers and development partners have converged in Victoria Falls for the 6th edition of the International Renewable Energy Conferenc one of the region’s most important platforms for advancing clean energy dialogue and action.
Running under the theme “Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future,” the conference reflects Zimbabwe’s growing determination to position renewable energy as a central pillar of its economic transformation agenda and climate resilience strategy.
The gathering has drawn a diverse range of stakeholders from across the globe, signaling not only the rising global interest in Zimbabwe’s renewable energy potential but also the country’s increasing role in shaping the continental clean energy narrative.
Discussions will span critical areas such as local financing mechanisms for renewable energy projects, the catalytic role of development partners and local banks, and strategies to enhance the bankability of green investments.
Zimpapers Business Hub Senior Reporter, Nqobile Bhebhe is attending the summit and will give us live updates
vp Chiwenga officiates at 6th International Renewable Energy Conference in Victoria Falls
VICE President Constantino Chiwenga has arrived at the venue of the International Renewable Energy Conference to officially open the 6th edition of the strategic conference here in Victoria Falls tomorrow.
VP Chiwenga’s presence underscores national commitment to sustainable energy development.
The conference is held under the theme “Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future,” buttressing the country’s growing dedication to renewable energy as a driver of inclusive and resilient economic growth.
Other speakers include Energy and Power Development Minister Cde Moyo and Permanent Secretary, Dr Gloria Magombo.
They are joined by high-level thought leaders such as Ministry of Skills Audit and Development Permanent Secretary Rudo Chirisa, Artificial Intelligence Institute Africa Chair Dennis Magaya, ZERA energy efficiency expert Victor Sibanda and UNESCO renewable energy specialist Malvern Matongo among others.
The gathering has drawn a diverse range of stakeholders from across the globe, signaling not only the rising global interest in Zimbabwe’s renewable energy potential but also the country’s increasing role in shaping the continental clean energy narrative.
Discussions will span critical areas such as local financing mechanisms for renewable energy projects, the catalytic role of development partners and local banks, and strategies to enhance the bankability of green investments.
Emerging areas such as carbon credit trading, electric mobility, and the integration of Artificial intelligence in energy transition efforts will take center stage signalling the sector’s dynamic evolution.
VP Chiwenga urges urgent investment in energy storage facilities
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has called on stakeholders across the energy value chain to urgently invest in energy storage infrastructure, emphasizing that the era of “producing and letting go” is over.
Delivering the keynote address at the ongoing International Renewable Energy Conference in Victoria Falls, Dr Chiwenga underscored the need for greater private sector participation and financial commitment in developing storage solutions to support the country’s renewable energy transition.
“I urge producers to invest in storage facilities. This is a critical area that we want to see the private sector, financiers, and all stakeholders taking a keen interest,” he said.
“We cannot produce and then let go. Therefore, the issue of storage of the power produced is critical.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable investment and encouraging innovative solutions to the challenges facing the global energy sector.
The conference, running under the theme “Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future,” reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to renewable energy as a key driver of long-term economic growth.
As part of this effort, several international firms have recently submitted bids to construct three large-scale energy storage facilities. These systems are designed to store electricity generated during off-peak periods and release it back into the grid during times of high demand.
According to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, the planned facilities will have a combined capacity of 1,800 megawatts.
This initiative forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to mitigate ongoing power shortages caused by limited generation capacity at major power plants.
VP Chiwenga launches National Energy Efficiency Policy
Vice President Chiwenga has officially launched Zimbabwe’s transformative National Energy Efficiency Policy, a key initiative aimed at promoting sustainable energy practices nationwide.
The launch took place during the 6th International Renewable Energy Conference, currently underway in Victoria Falls, which is being held under the theme: “Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future.”
Approved by Cabinet in October 2024, the policy is designed to roll out comprehensive energy-saving programmes to support Zimbabwe’s journey toward achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, in line with Vision 2030.
The policy is anchored on five key pillars: sustainability, accessibility, affordability, gender equity and employment creation.
Its central objective is to promote an integrated, data-driven approach to energy efficiency that contributes meaningfully to the country’s broader socio-economic development.
