The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially opened its highly anticipated Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Energy, Land, and Water at the prestigious Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare today. The crucial gathering, set to run from June 30th to July 4th, 2025, underscores the region’s commitment to addressing its most pressing resource challenges through enhanced collaboration and strategic planning. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is a staunch supporter of this initiative, highlighting Zimbabwe’s dedication to fostering regional integration for a sustainable future.
This joint ministerial session is preceded by a series of high-level discussions among SADC Senior Officials on Energy and Water, which began on June 30th and will conclude on July 2nd. The convergence of these vital sectors reflects a holistic approach to resource management, recognizing the intrinsic link between energy security, land use, and water availability for the sustainable development of Southern Africa.
Ministers will deliberate on a comprehensive agenda, including the current status of energy demand and supply across the SADC region, the implementation of regional energy infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing energy security, and the accelerated integration of renewable energy into the regional energy mix. A key focus will be the preparedness for the implementation of the ambitious Dar es Salaam Declaration on Mission 300, which aims to provide electricity access to at least 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Discussions will also touch upon the development and regulation of the energy sector, including petroleum and gas subsectors, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and smart grids.
On the water front, ministers will assess progress on regional and transboundary water projects, the delivery of water and sanitation services, and the implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure initiatives. The SADC Water Policy Review and other key policy initiatives will also be scrutinized to ensure robust frameworks for managing the region’s precious water resources.
ZERA’s presence and active participation at this meeting underscore its critical role in driving Zimbabwe’s energy agenda within the broader SADC context. As a key regulatory body, ZERA is instrumental in promoting the procurement, production, transmission, and distribution of energy in line with public demand and international standards. Its mandate extends to ensuring affordable and environmentally sustainable energy access, promoting renewable energy, and facilitating market reform. ZERA’s support for this meeting highlights its commitment to harmonizing regulatory frameworks, accelerating energy access, and promoting sustainability across SADC member states.
This gathering also coincides with a significant milestone: the 30th Anniversary of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), established in August 1995. This landmark achievement in regional energy cooperation will be commemorated with a special celebration hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe on July 3rd, further cementing Harare’s role as a hub for regional energy dialogue.
The SADC Energy, Land & Water Ministers Meeting reflects the region’s commitment to collaborative solutions for its shared challenges, paving the way for a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future for all its citizens.