Zim hosts Southern Africa energy regulators

*RERA interim Executive Director Francios Robinson*

New Ziana

Zimbabwe is this week hosting regional energy regulatory authorities in a pivotal summit aimed at bolstering collaboration and coordinating efforts towards self-sufficiency.

The five day high-level meeting is being held under the auspices of the Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa, which seeks to harmonise energy sector policies and regulatory frameworks within the SADC bloc.

Delegates attending the summit, which the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority is facilitating, will share experiences and align strategies to secure sustainable power supply through enhanced regulatory coordination.

In his keynote remarks during the official opening, RERA interim Executive Director Francios Robinson highlighted the commitment of the association to accelerating investment in the renewable energy sector.

He underscored the importance of coherent policies and fair tariff structures as a foundation for attracting independent power producers. "Our priority is to drive regional energy independence by standardising tariffs and supporting frameworks that promote private sector participation, particularly in clean energy initiatives. Collaborations with the Southern Africa Power Pool are also underway to strengthen electricity trade across borders, which is vital for economic integration and industrialisation," he said.

The summit comes at a time when energy challenges continue to hamper economic progress in many SADC countries and discussions are expected to culminate in actionable resolutions that will inform regulatory reforms, stimulate public-private partnerships, and unlock financing for renewable energy development.

By convening regulators under one roof, the RERA platform provides an essential forum for advancing a cohesive regional energy strategy, a cornerstone for achieving SADC's broader industrialisation and development goals.