visit of an AfDB delegation to promote renewable energies

(Agence Ecofin) – The poor electrification of the African continent is one of the main obstacles to its development. As a result, the AfDB has for several years made access to energy, especially clean energy, one of its major priorities.

During a three-day visit to Zimbabwe, a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) met with senior Zimbabwean government officials and business leaders to discuss, among other things, how the country could harness its renewable energy resources as well as possible.

The various stakeholders have drawn a positive assessment of the partnership between the institution and Zimbabwe, in particular the bank’s successful financing of several energy infrastructures.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Energy Development, Soda Zhemu, also expressed his gratitude to the Pan-African institution during a press conference held after the meetings.

« The Government of Zimbabwe appreciates the support and involvement of the African Development Bank, particularly in the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, the ZimFund Emergency Power Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, the Alaska-Karoi Transmission Reinforcement Project and the Energy Sector Reform Support Project,” Mr. Zhemu said.

On the AfDB side, the Vice-President in charge of electricity and energy, Mr. Kevin Kariuki, underlined the bank’s willingness to support the transformation of the Zimbabwean energy sector for more dynamism. He particularly underlined the role of his institution in the development of the Batoka Gorge hydroelectric project.

It is a 2,400 MW project, jointly developed by Zimbabwe and Zambia, and construction began in 2020 with completion expected in 2026. The project is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s electricity supply which has an electrification rate of 52.7% and significantly increase the share of renewable energies in its energy mix.

Abdullah Diop

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.