Energy ministers from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are set to convene in Zimbabwe from May 30 to June 4, 2025, for a high-level Joint Ministerial Meeting to discuss critical regional energy issues.
The meeting will focus on enhancing electricity access, advancing the development of the oil and gas subsector, and accelerating the adoption of clean and renewable energy technologies.
In preparation for the event, a virtual session of the SADC Energy Subcommittee was held on May 30, 2025, at the Ministry of Energy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Engineer Innocent Luoga, Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, led the Tanzanian delegation of technical experts.
Speaking during the session, Eng. Luoga emphasized the significance of regional collaboration, stating, "The energy sector is the backbone of regional integration and economic development. This meeting allows us to align our national strategies with broader SADC goals, particularly in expanding access to modern, sustainable energy services."
The ministerial meeting will also assess the region’s preparedness to implement the Dar es Salaam Declaration, a resolution adopted during the Africa Heads of State Mission 300 Summit.
The declaration calls for increased cooperation among African nations in scaling up renewable energy, strengthening energy security, and encouraging innovation in clean energy technologies.
A representative from the SADC Secretariat highlighted the importance of the meeting, noting, “This is a pivotal moment for the region. Our shared challenges ranging from energy access to climate resilience require shared solutions. Energy cooperation will be central to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for Southern Africa.”
Participants in the preparatory meeting included energy experts and officials from all SADC member states, reflecting a strong regional commitment to advancing energy development and integration.
As the ministers prepare to meet in Zimbabwe, expectations are high for meaningful progress toward a unified and sustainable energy agenda for the region.
