Zimbabwe and Zambia are facing a deepening energy crisis, exacerbated by reduced electricity generation capacity and crippling droughts in the region.
The two countries are set to convene for the energy projects summit from November 18 to 21 in Victoria Falls to address the urgent calls for investment in renewable energy sources and grid modernisation.
Accordingly, the summit will run under the theme Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Renewables, Grid Modernisation, and Energy Access.
On Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings cited a technical fault at Hwange Power Station and low water levels at Kariba Power Station as key factors contributing to the current power shortage.
“ZESA Holdings would like to advise its valued stakeholders that the national power grid is currently experiencing reduced electricity generation capacity due to a technical fault at Hwange Power Station.
“This has been further compounded by low generation capacity at Kariba Power Station, resulting from low water levels.
“Our technical teams are actively working to resolve the fault at Hwange to minimize the impact on our customers. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused,” ZESA said.
The upcoming Zimbabwe-Zambia energy projects summit aims to unlock opportunities in renewables, grid modernisation, and energy access.
The region’s energy woes have been compounded by devastating droughts, which have highlighted the need for scenario planning and investment in grid infrastructure.
The summit, held under the theme “Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future,” will bring together key stakeholders, including ministries, utilities, regulators, energy organizations, and international investors.
Discussion topics will focus on creating an attractive energy investment destination, leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions, and establishing a clear risk mitigation framework.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority chief executive officer Edington Mazambani said: “Together, we will explore the vast opportunities in renewables, modernise our grids, and ensure energy access for all.
“Let us unite in our vision to power Zimbabwe and Zambia’s sustainable energy future, unlocking potential for growth, innovation, and collaboration.”
Manoj Patil, Director of Mining Engineering Services, a Vinmart Group Company, and a sponsor of the summit said the event will unlock opportunities for the two countries.
“Having supported the mining sector in DRC for 14 years, we welcome this opportunity for the important conversations that will unlock opportunities in energy and infrastructure across Zimbabwe and Zambia, and power a sustainable future,” said Patil.
Zimbabwean businesses, comprising major miners, manufacturers, and large-scale agricultural firms, are grappling with debilitating power outages lasting up to 18 hours daily.
Despite favourable 2024/2025 agricultural season forecasts, predicting normal to above-normal rainfall, Zimbabwe’s economic sector struggles with pervasive power disruptions. This has severe implications for productivity.
Key industries, including mining giants such as Impala Platinum, Anglo American Platinum, and Sibanye-Stillwater, suffer significant losses in production and revenue due to prolonged power outages.
