In order to increase access to electricity in even the most remote regions of both southern African countries, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has emphasized the necessity of closer cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe in order to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies like energy storage systems, smart grids, and solar mini-grids.
According to Businesstime, Chiwenga stressed that increasing energy access is crucial for promoting sustainable economic growth and raising the standard of living for people in both countries during his remarks at this week’s inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in the resort city of Victoria Falls.
“Energy access is a fundamental right that supports vital sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation,” Chiwenga said. “We must ensure that no one is left behind.”
He added that increasing energy access is essential to Zambian and Zimbabwean sustainable development and a critical first step in ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for coming generations.
Chiwenga emphasized the value of cooperation and creativity in reforming both countries’ energy sectors, referring to the possibility of drawing capital for significant energy projects. He also cited Zambia and Zimbabwe’s joint energy resource, the Kariba Dam, as evidence of their dedication to renewable energy.
This request for cooperation is made at a time when both nations are dealing with serious energy-related issues, such as limited power supplies and sluggish progress toward universal access to electricity.
Both administrations are attempting to increase access to electricity by combining grid expansion with solar power in order to overcome these obstacles. Chiwenga’s views were echoed by Zambia’s Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, who emphasized the value of collaboration and creativity.
