Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
INVESTMENT opportunities, renewable projects and strategies to bring Southern Africa’s energy commitments to financial close will come under the spotlight at the second edition of the ZimZam 2025 Summit scheduled for November in Livingstone, Zambia.
Themed “Mines and Energy: How Stakeholders have Fast-Tracked Private Sector Projects to Become Africa’s Top Investment Destination,” the summit builds on the momentum established at its inaugural edition in Victoria Falls last year.
The summit will convene senior representatives from governments, regulators, utilities, investors and project developers. According to the programme, several Zimbabwe energy experts are expected to attend.
The forum seeks to accelerate the transition from commitments to bankable projects, with a particular focus on renewable energy, innovative financing, and balancing solar, wind and hydropower within a changing climate.
“CEC’s support for the summit is a natural extension of our mission to deliver reliable energy and high-quality services while fostering strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable development across Africa,” said Owen Silavwe, CEC Managing Directo in a statement.
A dedicated session will review Zambia and Zimbabwe’s progress in mobilising private sector participation for off-grid and distributed renewable energy solutions.
The agenda notes “Innovative off-grid solutions using results-based financing (RBF) mechanisms and demand stimulation initiatives can deliver an increase in energy access rates while making investment more sustainable.”
Given both countries’ reliance on hydropower, another session will address climate vulnerabilities, including drought risks.
“Droughts, and the subsequent reduction in water levels, have created electricity shortages through power deficits,” the agenda highlights. Hybrid solutions, advanced weather mapping, and AI-based technologies will be explored to optimise energy generation and resilience.
A key feature of the summit will be discussions around structural policy reforms that have unlocked significant investment potential in Southern Africa’s energy sector.
Delegates will engage on topics including the impact of Open Access and Multi-Year Tariff policies in creating a conducive regulatory environment, the role of public-private partnerships in enabling market-based energy trading solutions and government programmes such as M300, designed to mobilize investment in rural electrification and clean energy access
With a focus on scaling renewables, securing financing and building stable energy markets, ZimZam 2025 is expected to be the key platform for turning regional energy commitments into reality.
