President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on African countries to harness the continent’s abundant solar resources to drive industrialisation, strengthen energy security and accelerate socio-economic development.
The President made the remarks, yesterday, while officially opening the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee Meeting for the African Region, in Victoria Falls.
Speaking virtually, President Mnangagwa said Africa’s vast natural resources, particularly solar energy, should be transformed into productive assets capable of driving economic growth and improving access to essential services.
“Our African continent, which possesses some of the world’s richest resources, must industrialise, modernise and scale up access to essential services.
“To this end, the rich natural endowments, including solar, must be viewed as instruments of economic transformation and prosperity,” he urged.
President Mnangagwa said reliable energy remained a critical foundation for Africa’s development, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and implored countries to exploit the continent’s solar potential as the world transitions towards cleaner energy.
“Access to reliable energy remains fundamental to Africa’s development as outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063. Given its consistent availability, solar energy offers a major opportunity to strengthen energy security and support rapid socio-economic development,” he said.
The President said Zimbabwe was honoured to host the regional meeting, describing it as a demonstration of international confidence in the country and a reflection of the shared commitment to advancing Africa’s role in the global energy transition.
“Zimbabwe is humbled by the opportunity to host this important meeting of the International Solar Alliance. This attests to the confidence which the international community has in our country.
The meeting provided an important platform for African countries and development partners to strengthen cooperation and identify practical solutions to the continent’s energy challenges,” President Mnangagwa added
The President said Zimbabwe would continue creating an enabling business environment and embracing innovative financing models to attract investment into renewable energy projects.
“On its part, Zimbabwe will continue to create an enabling business operating environment and welcome innovative financing models,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the Government was also facilitating greater participation by Independent Power Producers and private-sector players in developing energy solutions, particularly in mining and manufacturing.
“Under the ongoing energy revolution, Independent Power Producers and private-sector stakeholders in mining and manufacturing, among other sectors, are being enabled to develop energy solutions, while contributing to our national energy mix,” he said.
The meeting comes as African countries seek to expand renewable energy investment and reduce energy deficits while supporting industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
