By John Chola

Regional leaders from government, finance, and development will converge in Livingstone this November for the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit (ZimZam 2025), a pivotal event designed to accelerate Southern Africa’s energy transition by driving critical investment partnerships.

Held from 26–28 November at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya resort, the summit arrives at a crucial juncture as the region seeks to transform ambitious energy pledges into tangible megawatts.

With the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) as its Country Host, ZimZam 2025 will place a sharp focus on unlocking financing and moving bankable energy and mining projects to financial close.

The event comes as landmark initiatives like the Chisamba 100MW Solar Farm, the Great Zimbabwe Hydro Project, and the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector (ZTIP) highlight both the potential for regional cooperation and the persistent challenges in transmission infrastructure and investment risk.

“CEC’s support for the summit is a natural extension of our mission to deliver reliable energy and high-quality services while fostering strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable development across Africa,” said Owen Silavwe, Managing Director of CEC. “Our values, of honesty, teamwork, and a ‘can-do’ attitude, shape how we collaborate with stakeholders and approach regional integration.”

CEC’s role as host underscores Zambia’s leadership in energy innovation, coming shortly after the corporation’s milestone issuance of a US$150 million green bond dedicated to developing 230 MW of solar power.

The summit will feature an address from Makozo Chikote, Zambia’s Minister of Energy, who is expected to outline the nation’s commitment to regional cooperation and energy investment.

ZimZam 2025 has already secured participation from a powerful cohort of the industry’s most active developers, with over 40 confirmed, including Engie Energy Access, Voltalia, Globeleq, Scatec, Solarcentury, and JCM Power.

This gathering will provide a key platform to spotlight renewable projects, discuss innovative financing solutions, and strategize on building stable energy markets to power regional industry.

With a comprehensive agenda covering regional interconnections, energy markets, and the optimal balance of solar, wind, and hydro resources, ZimZam 2025 is positioned as the definitive forum for turning Southern Africa’s energy commitments into reality.

About ZimZam 2025:
The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit(ZimZam 2025) is the premier gathering for governments, investors, and developers committed to accelerating Southern Africa’s energy future.

Focusing on investment opportunities and strategies to achieve financial close, the summit aims to fast-track bankable projects in the energy and mining sectors, fostering regional integration and sustainable development.