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Lusaka will this week host the 2025 Energy Forum for Africa, a high-level regional gathering that has attracted about 400 delegates from across Southern and Eastern Africa.
The three-day conference, scheduled for September 10–12 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, would bring together policymakers, investors, utility companies and independent power producers to discuss harmonisation of energy regulations and solutions for the region’s power challenges.
The event would be officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema, underscoring government’s commitment to regional cooperation in the energy sector.
Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, would host the forum, supported by Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and other Cabinet colleagues.
Event organiser, Hope Chanda, said the conference would provide a platform for engagement between energy ministers, utility executives and private sector players.
She explained that the discussions would focus on practical steps to achieve energy sufficiency through collaboration across borders.
“This year we want to concentrate on independent power producers and how local participants within the countries represented can work together. We will also host a pitch deck session where developers will present projects to potential investors for possible financing,” Chanda said in an interview ahead of the conference.
One of the highlights of the forum would be the “Energy Spotlight,” featuring renewable energy projects with a strong focus on solar power.
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According to Chanda, the initiative would showcase the “1,000 Solar Explosion,” which tracked the progress of solar projects with a combined capacity of over 1,000 megawatts across the region.
“We do not just want to talk; we want to see megawatts added to the system—whether five, 10, 20, 100 or even 1,000 megawatts. The expectation is that most projects showcased will either secure financing or advance to the next stage of development,” she said.
To ensure tangible outcomes, the organisers had created multinational task force committees to follow up on projects beyond the conference.
These committees, representing diverse organisations, would monitor progress, provide technical support and help mobilise resources.
“With this structure, we can harness knowledge from various sectors and countries, making it easier to drive implementation. Our goal is to ensure that the Energy Forum for Africa is not just another talk shop, but a platform that delivers measurable results,” Chanda emphasised.
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