The Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit (Zim-Zam) will return to Livingstone, Zambia, from November 3 to 5, 2026, bringing together government officials, investors and private-sector energy players to explore investment opportunities and accelerate the delivery of energy projects in the two countries.
The third edition, organised by EnergyNet, will take place at the Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya under the theme “Celebrating How Zambia and Zimbabwe Have Unlocked FDI Through Connectivity, Credibility and Cooperation.”
Since the summit was launched in 2024, both countries have made progress in attracting private investment to meet growing demand for reliable electricity, particularly from mining and industrial operations.
Copperbelt Energy Corporation financed the second phase of its Itimpi project through a green bond programme on local capital markets, while First Quantum Minerals is working with independent power producers to supply electricity to its mining operations in Zambia.
Zimbabwe has also expanded opportunities for private-sector participation in electricity generation. ZESA Holdings has reported that 635 megawatts (MW) of private generation capacity are under construction, with another 730 MW progressing towards financial close.
Cross-border infrastructure and new projects in focus
The summit will examine how Zambia and Zimbabwe can build on these developments by attracting investment in electricity generation, transmission infrastructure and cross-border interconnectors.
Discussions will also consider how improved connections between the two countries can strengthen electricity trade through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
Projects expected to inform the discussions include Lumwana Super Pit, the Kansanshi S3 expansion, Chisamba Solar and Kariba Floating Solar. Project pipeline presentations from Zambia and Zimbabwe will also highlight opportunities for investors and developers.
The programme will focus on financing arrangements, regulatory reforms and partnerships needed to move proposed projects towards construction and implementation.
Among the senior government officials expected to participate are Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, and Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Gilbert Siame.
Other speakers include Mulele Mulele, Permanent Secretary for Economic Management and Finance at Zambia’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning; Arnold Simwamba, Permanent Secretary for Electricity at Zambia’s Ministry of Energy; Cornwell Muleya, chief executive officer of Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation; Cletus Nyachowe, Group CEO of ZESA Holdings; and Simbarashe Pasipamire, an electricity market analyst at the Southern African Power Pool.
Private-sector participants will include Omar Jabri, Head of Business Development for Africa at the Private Infrastructure Development Group; Jason De Carteret, CEO of Solarcentury Africa; Monie Captan, Deputy CEO for West Africa at Petrodex; and Sipho Phiri, Chairman of Kwama Energy and Executive Chairman of Western Power Company.
Investors urged to turn opportunities into projects
EnergyNet says the summit comes at a critical time for both countries as they seek to diversify their electricity sources, expand private-sector participation and strengthen regional power infrastructure.
Abdoulaye Sylla, Group Deputy Director for Africa at EnergyNet, said the two countries had opportunities to attract further foreign direct investment through reforms that support independent power producers and cross-border electricity projects.
“Zim-Zam is about turning that momentum into action,” Sylla said, calling for progress beyond discussions towards financing bankable projects, reducing investment risks and accelerating cross-border infrastructure development.
He added that the priority was to translate the opportunities into tangible results.
Aleem Tharani, a partner at Bowmans, said stronger regional electricity connections and investor-friendly regulatory environments were helping attract financing for energy projects across Southern Africa.
He said the summit provided an opportunity for governments, utilities, financiers and developers to review progress and plan further investment.
Sherrill Byrne, Head of Project Finance in Energy and Infrastructure at Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking, also highlighted the importance of regional integration in unlocking Africa’s renewable energy potential.
Byrne said stronger cross-border transmission networks and coordinated electricity markets could enable countries to share energy resources, improve electricity supply and attract long-term investment.
She added that aligning regulation, planning and infrastructure development would help accelerate the delivery of reliable, affordable and cleaner electricity to support economic growth.
Energy companies back the summit
Copperbelt Energy Corporation will serve as the country host, while Petrodex is the summit sponsor. Bowmans and Standard Bank will participate as lead sponsors, with Soleos as sponsor and Metmin and Modaso Energy as associate sponsors.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, identify investment opportunities and advance projects aimed at meeting electricity demand in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
As both countries pursue energy diversification and regional integration, the meeting will focus on translating recent reforms and investment commitments into projects that can strengthen power supply and support industrial development across Southern Africa.
