Zimbabwe and Zambia are currently hosting a summit, the Energy Projects Summit, in Victoria Falls to discuss how to attract investment in renewable energy. Both countries are experiencing a severe drought that has drastically reduced water levels at the Kariba Dam, their primary hydroelectric source, leading to power outages that last up to 20 hours. Consequently, they are aiming to increase investment in wind and solar energy generation. Speaking at the event, Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga highlighted the abundant sunlight that both countries enjoy. He advocated building large-scale solar farms to generate power for local consumption and export purposes. Zambia’s Energy Minister Makozo Chikote announced plans to leverage increased copper production to fund renewable energy projects, targeting 3 million metric tons of copper by 2035. To accomplish these projects, Harare and Lusaka are looking to the west for potential investors.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
