Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit Returns to Livingstone for Third Edition
The energy landscape in Southern Africa is entering a transformative phase. The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit (Zim-Zam) is heading back to the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya in Livingstone from 3–5 November 2026 for its third annual event.
Organized by EnergyNet, this year’s summit carries the theme: “Celebrating How Zambia and Zimbabwe Have Unlocked FDI Through Connectivity, Credibility and Cooperation,” highlighting the massive strides made since the event’s inception in 2024.
Key Highlights & Major Takeaways
- The Drive for Private Sector Participation: Driven by growing industrial power demands, both nations are opening doors for private investments. In Zimbabwe alone, ZESA Holdings has reported 635MW of private generation under construction, with an additional 730MW moving toward financial close.
- Innovative Financing Models: Regional projects are successfully securing capital through creative avenues. For instance, the Copperbelt Energy Corporation financed the second phase of Itimpi using a local capital markets green bond program, while First Quantum Minerals is actively partnering with independent power producers (IPPs) to power its Zambian mining operations.
- High-Profile Project Focus: Discussions in Livingstone will center on critical upcoming infrastructure. Key projects under the microscope include:
- Lumwana Super Pit and Kansanshi S3 expansion
- Chisamba Solar and Kariba Floating Solar
- Cross-border transmission networks and interconnectors feeding into the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP)
- Heavyweight Leadership & Industry Leaders: The summit will feature top-tier regional leadership, including:
- H.E. Honourable July Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development
- H.E. Honourable Dr Gilbert Siame, Minister of Green Economy & Environment, Zambia
- Representatives from the Ministry of Finance & National Planning (Zambia), ZESA Holdings, and the Southern African Power Pool.
- Strong Corporate Backing: The event is anchored by key industry supporters, with Copperbelt Energy Corporation serving as Country Host, Petrodex as Summit Sponsor, Bowmans and Standard Bank as Lead Sponsors, Soleos as Sponsor, and Metmin and Modaso Energy as Associate Sponsors.
- What Leaders Are Saying
“Southern Africa is proving that interconnection through SAPP and a credible, investor-friendly regulatory environment translate directly into deal flow… Bowmans is proud to sponsor the summit and to be alongside our clients making these transactions happen.”
— Aleem Tharani, Partner at Bowmans“Zambia and Zimbabwe are at a critical moment in their energy development. The urgent need to diversify away from climate-vulnerable hydro towards solar and hybrid solutions… has positioned both countries as compelling investment destinations.”
— Abdoulaye Sylla, Group Deputy Director for Africa at EnergyNet
With a firm focus on moving past discussions into active execution, de-risking IPP frameworks, and accelerating bankable cross-border infrastructure, Zim-Zam 2026 is set to shape the next generation of power delivery across Southern Africa.
