The SADC Sustainable Energy Week (SADC SEW) is set to be an impactful gathering, with Zimbabwe hosting this year’s event from February 23 to 27, 2026, at The Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls. This event represents a confluence of innovation, policy, and collaboration, aimed at addressing the pressing energy challenges faced by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Key Highlights from Previous Years
The inaugural event in December 2024 held in Gaborone, Botswana, focused on “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Solutions for an Energy Secure SADC Region.” This foundational gathering proved crucial in laying the groundwork for future cooperation and progress within the energy sector. It spotlighted topics such as:
- High-Level Plenary Sessions: Engaging discussions featuring SADC Energy Ministers and regional leaders.
- Knowledge Sharing: Break-out sessions allowed for the exchange of best practices and strategies.
- Site Visits: Participants observed practical implementations of sustainable energy initiatives.
The 2026 Agenda: A Renewed Focus
Building on the success of previous events, the 2026 SADC SEW carries the theme “Driving Regional Economic Growth through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.” This year’s agenda emphasizes six critical thematic areas:
- Policy and Governance: Promoting collaboration and harmonized energy policies across the region.
- Universal Access and Just Transition: Focusing on rural electrification, clean cooking, and the productive use of energy.
- Financing and Innovation: Attracting investment for energy minerals and supporting innovative solutions.
- Grid Interconnectivity and Market Integration: Enhancing cross-border power trade and integrating digital with renewable energy systems.
- Energy Efficiency in Industry: Boosting competitiveness through sustainable energy practices.
- Emerging Solutions: Exploring technologies such as artificial intelligence and the potential for carbon trading.
Achievements and Agreements
During the launch event of the 2026 SEW on October 27, 2025, held in Harare, Minister July G. Moyo emphasized the importance of clean energy as the backbone of development. The launch brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners, marking the beginning of the preparations for one of the region’s most anticipated energy events.
Key achievements highlighted during the launch included:
- Commitment to Clean Energy: Reaffirming the collective pledge to enhance energy security and accessibility across the SADC region.
- Recognition of Excellence: The upcoming SADC SEW Awards will celebrate significant contributions to energy innovation, ensuring that progress is acknowledged and disseminated.
- Regional Frameworks: The event aims to build on existing frameworks, such as the SADC Protocol on Energy and the Africa Single Electricity Market, to further solidify collaborative efforts.
Future Directions
As the countdown to the 2026 event begins, there is an urgent call to action from stakeholders at all levels. Minister Moyo challenged investors, innovators, and media to rally behind the SADC SEW, emphasizing that the event should be a defining moment for the region.
“This is not just a conference; it’s a platform for action,” he stated, highlighting the potential of the SADC SEW to turn commitment into tangible impact for sustainable energy access.
The SADC SEW promises to be more than just a meeting of minds—it aims to unlock partnerships, foster innovation, and ultimately create a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape for Southern Africa.
For further details on participating in this transformative gathering, visit SADC Energy Week. Let us work together to make sustainable energy a right for all, not just a privilege.
