Zimbabwe joins the International Energy Forum
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The International Energy Forum today announced that Zimbabwe has joined as a full member of the organisation, bringing the total number of member countries to 73.
The IEF’s mission is to promote energy security through dialogue between producers and consumers. It is the world’s largest organisation of energy ministers, accounting for more than 90 percent of global energy trade.
“Zimbabwe is pleased to join the International Energy Forum to promote dialogue with fellow members on pressing energy issues,” said the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube, who participated in a signing ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Closer collaboration with the top actors in the global energy market is of great value to Zimbabwe as we seek to reduce energy poverty and enhance energy security, while facing up to the challenges caused by price inflation, climate change and geopolitical uncertainty,’ he added.
Founded 33 years ago to promote dialogue between members of the International Energy Agency and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the IEF today has more members that both groups combined, including many unaligned countries including Argentina, China, India and South Africa. It is expected to hold its 17th Ministerial meeting in May this year.
IEF Secretary General Joseph MCMonigle said: “The IEF is pleased to welcome Zimbabwe as a full member, bringing our community of African members to 23 countries.”
“The IEF is committed to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s and Africa’s voices are heard in the global energy dialogue, especially the urgent need to scale up the supply of reliable and affordable energy to eradicate energy poverty, which is a prerequisite for development.”
“We also look forward to collaborating with Zimbabwe on the energy transition, exploring how it can expand the electricity grid to integrate new baseload and renewable energy sources, ” he added.
The International Energy Forum is the world’s largest organisation of energy ministers, with 73 member countries accounting for 90 percent of the world energy market.
The IEF is the global home of energy dialogue promoting energy security, market stability and transparency and the energy transition.
