All is set for the 2026 Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Sustainable Energy Week (SEW), which roars into life next week in Victoria Falls, bringing together regional leaders, investors and energy experts to accelerate southern Africa’s clean energy transition.
The high-level regional gathering will run from February 23 to 27 at the Elephant Hills Hotel under the theme Driving Regional Economic Growth through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.
The event is jointly hosted by the Energy and Power Development ministry, the Sadc secretariat and the Sadc Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo said Zimbabwe was honoured to host this year’s edition at a time when the region is intensifying efforts to strengthen energy security and unlock sustainable economic growth.
He said the Sadc SEW seeks to promote opportunities across the entire sustainable energy value chain, with a strong focus on policy development, financing mechanisms, grid integration, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency and clean cooking solutions.
“The 2026 Sadc SEW takes place at a moment when countries are finalising these national energy compacts, creating a unique opportunity to harmonise policy, showcase investment opportunities, mobilise finance, and accelerate implementation across,” Moyo said.
The minister said in January 2025, African heads of state adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration, committing to electrify 300 million people under the Mission 300 agenda.
“Implementation will be driven through National Energy Compacts, several of which have now been developed across the Sadc region,” Moyo said.
“Zimbabwe’s own Energy Compact, facilitated through the World Bank and African Development Bank, provides a mechanism to align domestic priorities with regional ambitions and global financing instruments.”
Moyo said southern Africa had the lowest energy access rate on the continent, averaging just 50%.
He said the region continues to face capacity shortfalls including peak demand which reached 58 868 MW in June 2025 against an available operating capacity of 56 977 MW, underscoring a persistent supply deficit that constrains industrialisation and social development.
Delegates expected at the week-long programme include Sadc energy institutions, government ministers, policymakers, private sector investors, project developers, financiers, academia and international cooperating partners.
Moyo said regional cooperation remained key to addressing persistent power deficits and expanding generation capacity.
“No single country can fully overcome energy challenges in isolation. Platforms such as Sadc SEW enable us to share best practices, mobilise resources and strengthen cross-border energy trade to ensure a more resilient regional power pool,” he said.
The minister said clean energy and energy efficiency were no longer optional as they are central to economic transformation, industrialisation and climate resilience.
Energy expert Edzai Kachirekwa said Zimbabwe was honoured to host the Sadc Sustainable Energy Week, describing it as a strategic platform to unlock investment, promote policy alignment and drive innovation across the region.
“This is a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase the progress we have made in reforming and liberalising our energy sector,” he said.
“Zimbabwe is among the few countries in the region that have opened up their electricity grid to independent power producers, creating real opportunities for private sector participation and increased generation capacity.”
He added that the Sadc SEW will not only position Zimbabwe as a competitive destination for energy investment, but also highlight broader economic opportunities, including tourism and infrastructure development.
“The event provides a powerful platform for independent power producers to explore investment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s energy sector,” Kachirekwa said.
“Through regional collaboration, we can accelerate access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all our citizens while strengthening economic growth across Sadc.”
The Sadc SEW features high-level plenary sessions, expert panel discussions and the ninth Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative regional conference.
Technical site visits and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies will also form part of the event.
A major highlight of the week will be the 2026 Sadc SEW Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements and leadership in advancing sustainable energy initiatives across southern Africa.
Organisers say the awards aim to inspire innovation and acknowledge institutions and individuals contributing significantly to clean energy adoption and improved energy access in the region.
Alpha Media Holdings, through The Standard, is the official media partner of the Sadc SEW 2026.