A New Era of Regional Energy Cooperation and Investment
On November 26, 2025, the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit (ZimZam 2025) officially kicked off at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, marking a pivotal moment for energy cooperation in the Southern African region. This three-day summit focuses on promoting private sector projects, enhancing regional collaboration, and advancing the transition to clean energy. With vital participation from the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the event seeks to mobilize investments and strengthen cross-border partnerships.
The summit opened under the theme “Mines and Energy: How Stakeholders Have Fast-Tracked Private Sector Projects to Become Africa’s Top Investment Destination.” In their remarks, prominent leaders from both Zambia and Zimbabwe reiterated the importance of coordinated efforts to boost regional energy integration. Honourable Credo Nanjuwa, the Provincial Minister of Southern Province in Zambia, emphasized the summit’s role, stating, “Your presence affirms the importance of this summit as a regional platform for investment, innovation, strategic collaboration… a true reflection of our shared vision – that of securing a sustainable energy future for our two great nations.”
Honourable Yeukai Simbanegavi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development in Zimbabwe, noted the necessity of cross-border collaborations, declaring, “Energy challenges have reminded us that we have veins which knit us together beyond our border lines.” She also highlighted that Zimbabwe’s transition to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) is expected to bring more private sector investments to the electricity sector.
The summit featured key industry players such as Petrodex and Standard Bank, who outlined the growing role of regional power markets in economic development. Monie Captan, Deputy CEO of Petrodex, remarked, “Regional power trading will be the next major catalyst for growth, connecting surplus and deficit markets through modern infrastructure and innovation.” Helen Lubamba, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Zambia’s mining and energy sectors are not just delivering economic value – they’re driving transformation.”
The event also included discussions on major continental initiatives, such as the Grand Inga Hydropower Project and the SADC Just Energy Transition Framework, which aim to ensure universal access to affordable and reliable energy by 2050. Dr. Mavis Mwape from the SADC Secretariat highlighted the importance of these programs, saying, “These programmes highlight how regional cooperation can move from ambition to implementation.”
ZESCO, Zambia’s electricity utility, showcased recent regulatory and policy reforms that enhance the operating environment for new energy projects. Justin Loongo, ZESCO’s Managing Director, stated, “Through open access and predictable tariffs, we’ve created an environment where public and private partners can deliver real progress.”
As ZimZam 2025 continues, it aims to set the stage for a collaborative and innovative approach to transforming Southern Africa’s energy landscape. The summit is poised to unlock the region’s energy potential, fostering sustainable growth and development across multiple sectors.
