Images: William Muchingamiri/Marcus Chimudzi
By Brenda Mazhambe
VICTORIA FALLS – Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo says all is set for the 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week, with delegates expected to converge in Victoria Falls for a packed programme of high-level engagements beginning Monday.
Delegates have been flocking into the resort city, with all participants expected to have arrived by end of day Tuesday ahead of the official opening. Eswatini’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, was among the first ministers to arrive.
His early arrival allows his delegation time to appreciate Zimbabwe’s hosting model, as Eswatini is set to host the next edition of the summit.
The five-day regional summit, running from 23 to 27 February 2026 under the theme “Driving Regional Economic Growth through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency”, is expected to attract more than 500 delegates, including ministers, investors and energy experts from across Southern Africa.
Minister Moyo told journalists that a series of high-level plenary sessions, panel discussions and investment forums will run throughout the week, creating a platform for governments, financiers and private sector players to engage on energy transition and regional cooperation.
He said the media will have full access to proceedings, with all sessions open except closed bilateral meetings.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Director for Energy, Conservation and Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Mr Isaac Chiridza, on Sunday led members of the media on a tour of the venue, where exhibitors and technicians were putting final touches to exhibition stands and technical installations ahead of the conference.
The programme begins on Monday with a welcome session and overview of the week, followed by the official opening of the 9th SOLTRAIN Conference, one of the key technical platforms focusing on solar thermal technologies.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday and is expected to be presided over by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, alongside regional leaders and the Southern African Development Community Executive Secretary.
One key highlight of the summit will be the Ministerial Segment, where participating countries will present National Energy Compacts and strategies aimed at expanding access to electricity, promoting renewable energy, and strengthening regional power integration.
Minister Moyo emphasised that while countries will showcase domestic energy developments, the broader focus remains on regional integration, particularly cross-border electricity trade and grid interconnectivity.
Hon. Moyo said renewable energy will take centre stage, with dedicated sessions focusing on clean energy transitions across the region.
“That is why we have our Executive Secretary here to push the renewable energy system in our region,” he said, adding that panel discussions will include ministers, utility executives, consultants and academics to ensure comprehensive engagement.
The programme also includes exhibitions showcasing energy technologies and innovations, business-to-business and bilateral meetings to unlock investment opportunities, technical site visits around Victoria Falls demonstrating renewable energy solutions, and the inaugural SADC Sustainable Energy Week Awards recognising excellence in clean energy innovation.
Key thematic areas guiding discussions include policy harmonisation, universal energy access, financing and innovation, renewable energy expansion, and emerging solutions such as carbon trading and artificial intelligence in energy systems.
Beyond formal sessions, delegates will also take part in a range of networking activities, including cultural and tourism experiences organised in partnership with Zimbabwe’s tourism authorities.
Minister of Tourism Barbara Rwodzi will host a cultural dinner where Zimbabwe will showcase its rich heritage through dance, traditional attire, cuisine, beverages and music.
The Ministry has also put in place world class hospitality standards to ensure a memorable experience for delegates, while local tour operators are exhibiting their products and services on the sidelines of the conference.
Women Affairs Minister Monica Mutsvangwa is set to deliver a keynote address at the Women in Renewable Energy programme, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in advancing sustainable energy across the region.
Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu will lead guided tours of Victoria Falls, as well as visits to selected renewable energy sites in surrounding areas, offering delegates practical insight into Zimbabwe’s clean energy initiatives.
Friday will see Vice President Kembo Mohadi is expected to preside over a golf tournament on Friday, where he will also officiate at the prize-giving ceremony.
The summit is expected to produce practical solutions and renewed momentum towards sustainable energy development in the region.
The event builds on resolutions from previous regional meetings and aligns with broader continental initiatives aimed at expanding electricity access under Africa’s energy transition agenda.
