Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
HARARE – THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) this week convened its 43rd Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water in Harare, with investments in renewable energy and infrastructure projects topping the agenda.
The high-level engagement marks a renewed regional thrust towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and bolstering water infrastructure across member states.
The five-day event, which commenced this Monday with a meeting of senior officials, provides a strategic platform for SADC to evaluate progress and accelerate the implementation of priority infrastructure projects.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Dr Gloria Magombo, underscored the region’s strides in power system investments.
“SADC has outlined strides by the regional member states in terms of massive investment in energy systems to further boost power supplies for industry and commerce,” she said.
The conference aims to identify tangible pathways for mobilising resources towards increased energy generation, in line with rising demand from industry and commerce.
Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, highlighted the significance of the gathering.
“This meeting serves as a strategic preparatory platform, setting the tone for the forthcoming Joint Meeting of Ministers. The annotated agenda before us reflects the extensive scope of issues under discussion ranging from regional protocols and infrastructure development to energy markets.
“As of May 2025, the region’s installed energy generation capacity stood at 85 221 megawatts, including contributions from oceanic member states. However, a capacity shortfall of 792 megawatts persists region-wide a figure that escalates to 4 509 megawatts when focusing solely on those countries interconnected through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
“Notably, four member states Angola, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania currently have excess operational capacity. However, the full utility of this surplus remains constrained by limited transmission interconnections, impeding the transfer of power to neighbouring states in need,” she said.
The meeting is also expected to reinforce regional cooperation in implementing joint water and energy infrastructure projects aimed at transforming SADC into a climate-resilient and resource-secure bloc.
