Potential investors in Zimbabwe and Zambia’s energy sectors from the West are seeking predictability, particularly in legislation, the courts, and monetary policy.
This was said by Jobst von Kirchmann, the European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, during his address at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit held in Victoria Falls this week. Said Kirchmann:
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Zimbabwe is now running a monetary policy which is a multicurrency policy, but then if someone goes out and says, ‘We should abandon the dollar; we should go back to mono-currency,’ that’s a killer for investment.
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently suggested that the Zimbabwean dollar (ZiG) become the sole currency by 2026, phasing out the use of the US dollar, which has been in circulation alongside other currencies since 2009.
John Humphrey, the British Trade Commissioner for Africa, also emphasized the need for stability in the country’s currency policy. He said:
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When we are in the renewable sector, it’s not just about five or 10 years. Actually, you are looking at a much longer period.
So, in order to be able to make those sorts of investments, you really have to feel like you are operating in a predictable and stable environment.
Money is like water. It goes where it is easy, and if you put something in its way, it just flows somewhere else.
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Zimbabwe and Zambia held a summit this week in Victoria Falls to explore ways to attract investment for energy projects and development.
The discussions came amid the worst recorded drought in the region, which is depleting the Kariba Dam reservoir and leading to prolonged power outages.
Officials from both countries acknowledged that their heavy reliance on hydropower makes them vulnerable to such extended electricity shortages, with recent blackouts lasting up to 20 hours.
They say they want to increase investment in wind and solar energy generation.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said Zimbabwe and Zambia are well-positioned to benefit from solar and wind power. Said Chiwenga:
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In particular, the potential for solar energy is highly promising. Both Zimbabwe and Zambia enjoy abundant sunlight throughout the year. This is the only asset on this Earth we do not pay for. So, let’s use it.
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Zimbabwe and Zambia have begun exploring floating solar projects on Lake Kariba, following a severe El Nino-induced drought that has reduced the hydroelectric dam’s water levels to just 2%. The drought has led to prolonged power outages in both countries.
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Western investors from Europe want stable laws and money policies before investing in energy projects in Zimbabwe and Zambia. They are worried about changes in currency policy and want more predictability for their investments. Both countries are facing severe power shortages due to a drought, so they are exploring renewable energy options like solar and wind power. Officials say they have a lot of sunlight which can help generate energy. The countries are working together to attract more investment for their energy projects and to address the current power crisis.

Western Investors Want Stable Legal And Monetary Policies; EU Tells ZimZam Energy Summit

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has called for stronger cooperation between Zimbabwe and Zambia to leverage advanced technologies like solar mini-grids, energy storage systems, and smart grids.
This will expand electricity access, particularly to remote areas in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, enhancing energy availability in underserved regions.
Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in the resort city of Victoria Falls this week, Chiwenga asserted that increasing energy access is crucial for driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens in both countries. He said:
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Energy access is a fundamental right that supports vital sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation. We must ensure that no one is left behind.
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Chiwenga said that energy access is crucial for sustainable development in Zimbabwe and Zambia, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future.
He stressed the need for innovation and collaboration to transform both nations’ energy sectors, with the potential to attract investment in large-scale projects. Said the Vice President:
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Our region is rich in energy resources—hydropower, solar, and wind—but these must be harnessed sustainably and equitably to meet the growing demands of our populations.
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Zimbabwe and Zambia share a vital energy resource: the Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River, which flows between the two countries.
The dam is home to two key power stations—the Kariba North Power Station in Zambia and the Kariba South Power Station in Zimbabwe—both of which play a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of both nations.
Kariba North is Zambia’s largest underground hydroelectric power station, with an installed capacity of 1,080 MW, while Kariba South is Zimbabwe’s second-largest power plant, with an installed capacity of 1,050 MW. Both countries rely heavily on the hydroelectric power generated by these stations.
However, power generation has been significantly affected due to low water levels in the dam, disrupting the electricity supply for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Vice President Chiwenga wants Zimbabwe and Zambia to work together to bring solar energy to more people in both countries. He says having electricity is important for schools, hospitals, farms, and jobs. Chiwenga thinks that using renewable energy like solar and wind is good for the environment and can make both countries more successful. Zimbabwe and Zambia both rely on the Kariba Dam for electricity, but low water levels there have caused problems. Chiwenga hopes that by working together, both countries can find solutions to their energy needs.

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