Zambia Leads Renewable Energy Push
Preparations for ZARACON 2026 highlight investment, research, and partnerships to drive the country’s energy transition
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (28-01-2026) – Zambia is positioning itself to lead a practical, investment-driven renewable energy transition through strong partnerships, credible research, and decisive action, as preparations for the Zambia Annual Renewable Energy Conference (ZARACON) 2026 were officially launched in Lusaka Tuesday.
Mainza explained that the government has introduced key reforms, including tariff adjustments and the open access regime, to attract private sector participation.
He stressed that energy security could not be achieved without sustained investment.
Platforms such as ZARACON 2026, he added, are critical in influencing investors, financiers, and technology providers, and the government expects tangible outcomes that translate policy into actionable projects.
Bowa highlighted that Zambia is endowed with abundant solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower resources, but implementation remains the biggest challenge.
She emphasized that the conference would be deliberately action-oriented, focusing on converting policy ambitions, research, and partnerships into measurable and bankable outcomes.
She announced that ZARACON 2026 will be held from March 25 to 26, 2026, under the theme:
“Powering Zambia’s Future: Policy, Innovation and Partnerships for Energy Security — From Policy to Action.”
Representing the lead financial partner, Professor Jumbe Ngoma said Zambia’s energy transition is as much a financing challenge as it is a technical one.
He explained that ZARACON 2026 would focus on moving from ambition to implementation by promoting bankable projects and structured financing solutions.
Prof. Ngoma noted that renewable energy development has the potential to significantly reduce energy poverty, particularly in rural communities, and called for investment models that deliver tangible social and economic benefits.
ZARENA Vice Board Chairperson Michael Tarney said the organisation had significantly expanded its operations in recent years through strengthened partnerships and funding.
This, he said, positions ZARACON 2026 as a regional, rather than purely national, platform.
Tarney added that the conference is designed to align policy, investment, innovation, and development to support a reliable, affordable, and resilient energy system.
He stressed that evidence-based decision-making and strong private sector engagement would be essential to translating research into practical implementation.
University of Zambia Vice-Chancellor Professor Mundia Muuya said Zambia’s energy transition requires more than infrastructure investment.
He emphasized the need for skilled human capital, strong research capacity, and evidence-based policymaking.
Prof. Muuya added that universities have a responsibility to bridge the gap between academia and industry by ensuring that policy and investment decisions are informed by credible research grounded in Zambia’s local context.
He encouraged researchers and students to actively participate in ZARACON 2026, describing the conference as a key platform for innovation, dialogue, and national development.
Earlier, ZARENA Board Secretary Chikuku Katebe said the media launch marked the formal start of preparations for ZARACON 2026 and opened a broader national conversation on renewable energy involving policymakers, industry players, financiers, researchers, and the media.
Katebe noted that the early engagement reflects growing national and international interest in Zambia’s renewable energy agenda.
She also stressed that the media would play a critical role in shaping public understanding and sustaining momentum ahead of the conference.
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