Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – The Kingdom of Eswatini has officially secured the right to host the 2027 SADC Sustainable Energy Week following a formal handover by Zimbabwe during this year’s regional gathering.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, presented the hosting baton to Eswatini’s Minister for Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela, at the opening ceremony of the 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week held in Victoria Falls.
The event, organised under the Southern African Development Community framework, is running under the theme “Driving Regional Economic Growth Through Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency.”
Delivering his opening remarks, Chiwenga spoke on the rapid transformation of global energy systems and the need for the region to take an active role.
“The global energy system is undergoing structural transformation. Capital flows are shifting and supply chains are being reconfigured. Strategic and critical minerals are redefining Global Geopolitics as we enter a 4th Industrial Revolution. Southern Africa must not be a spectator to this transition, we must shape it,” he said.
He also outlined Zimbabwe’s progress in expanding renewable energy industries and job creation, noting Africa’s vast potential.
Chiwenga said the continent possesses about 60 percent of the world’s best renewable energy resources and must leverage them to power development.
He further commended the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for promoting cooperation, innovation and investment across member states.
Receiving the baton, Prince Lonkhokhela invited delegates to attend the next gathering in Eswatini and explore opportunities for partnership in the country’s energy sector.
He encouraged visitors to experience the kingdom’s cultural heritage, natural scenery and hospitality, while also considering investment prospects in energy infrastructure and conservation initiatives.
The minister said he was honoured to participate in the Victoria Falls meeting and described the discussions and presentations over the two day programme as insightful for shaping Eswatini’s energy plans.
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