Zimbabwe’s energy reform agenda has received strong international endorsement at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Sustainable Energy Week (SEW), with Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgärde commending the country’s progress in advancing sustainable energy and strengthening regional integration.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) event, Ambassador Lindgärde said Zimbabwe was demonstrating ‘practical leadership’ in promoting energy efficiency as part of its broader national development strategy.
“Zimbabwe is showing practical leadership in advancing energy efficiency and embedding it within its national development agenda,” said Ambassador Lindgärde. “These efforts are critical not only for national energy security, but also for strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable economic growth.”
He underscored that energy efficiency remained one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance national energy security, improve industrial competitiveness and support household resilience.
“Energy efficiency is not a secondary issue, it is central to economic growth, industrial competitiveness and household resilience. By improving efficiency, countries can reduce costs, ease pressure on power generation systems and accelerate inclusive development.”
The EELA programme is working closely with national authorities to promote efficient lighting, appliances and industrial systems, measures designed to ease pressure on power generation while boosting productivity.
As such, Ambassador Lindgärde identified Zimbabwe as a key focus country under the EELA programme, (funded by Sweden and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization), an initiative which seeks to transform markets by promoting affordable, high-performance energy-efficient technologies that reduce costs and cut emissions.
He said Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to improve standards, strengthen regulatory frameworks and encourage private sector participation were creating favourable conditions for sustainable investment in the energy sector.
“We are encouraged by Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks and creating an enabling environment for private sector participation. Such measures help attract sustainable investment and support long-term energy sector transformation,” he said.
He further commended Government initiatives aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption, improving grid stability and expanding electricity access in rural communities, noting that these efforts align with regional objectives set by SADC.
Ambassador Lindgärde stressed the importance of partnerships anchored on national priorities to ensure lasting impact.
“Strong partnerships built around national priorities are essential to ensuring long-term success and meaningful impact in the transition towards sustainable energy systems,” he said.
Delegates attending the high-level meeting in Victoria Falls concurred that Zimbabwe’s reforms are positioning the country to stimulate inclusive economic growth, reduce reliance on energy imports and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Held under the theme of advancing clean energy and efficiency for regional economic growth, the conference brought together policymakers, regulators and development partners to identify practical pathways toward a sustainable energy future.
