ZARECON 2026: Powering Zambia’s Energy Future from Policy to Action

As Zambia advances its national development agenda, energy security has emerged as one of the most decisive pillars for economic transformation. From industrial growth and mining productivity to agriculture, healthcare, education, and digital innovation, reliable and affordable power remains central to inclusive development.

Preparations for the Zambia Annual Renewable Energy Conference — ZARECON 2026 — scheduled for 25–26 March 2026 at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka, are now at an advanced stage. Held under the theme, “Powering Zambia’s Future: Pioneering Policy, Innovation, and Partnerships for Energy Security – From Policy to Action,” the Conference convenes at a critical juncture for Zambia and the wider region as the country accelerates efforts to strengthen energy security, drive investment, and translate policy ambition into practical implementation.

The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Energy, has consistently emphasised the urgent need to diversify the national energy mix, strengthen climate resilience, and mobilise investment into renewable infrastructure.

During the official launch of ZARECON 2026 in January, the Minister of Energy — in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Ministry’s Assistant Director, Engineer Brian Mainza — emphasised that the choices Zambia makes today in energy planning, infrastructure development, and investment will determine the nation’s economic competitiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability for generations to come.

This call echoes President Hakainde Hichilema’s repeated emphasis on economic transformation, private sector–led growth, and regional integration as drivers of sustainable development. As Zambia works to restore macroeconomic stability and unlock industrial potential, energy security is no longer optional — it is foundational.

ZARECON 2026 directly supports this agenda by convening policymakers, regulators, investors, utilities, developers, engineers, academia, and development partners on a single, action-oriented platform.

The Ministry of Energy has formally backed the initiative, recognising the Conference as a strategic national platform for advancing renewable energy implementation

Zambia occupies a strategic position within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), with the potential to transition from energy deficit to a competitive regional exporter of clean power. With abundant solar resources, emerging wind corridors, biomass potential, and hydropower opportunities, the country is well positioned to lead in renewable deployment.

ZARECON 2026 therefore goes beyond national dialogue. It is designed as a regional convening platform, attracting over 200 delegates from Zambia, across Africa, and beyond. Confirmed participation includes representatives from Malawi, Rwanda, Scotland (through the Global Renewable Centre network), South Africa, Kenya, and other SADC member states.

Regional and international participation strengthens cross-border collaboration, policy harmonisation, investment mobilisation, and knowledge exchange — all critical to strengthening energy trade within the Southern African Power Pool and reinforcing regional resilience.

According to ZARENA Executive Director, Eng. Dr. Chilala Kakoma-Bowa, the Conference is intentionally structured to move beyond rhetoric.

“ZARECON 2026 is not a talk shop. It is an implementation-driven platform intended to convert policy ambition, research, and partnerships into measurable, bankable outcomes that advance Zambia’s energy transition,” she stated at the launch

The programme integrates:

• High-level ministerial and executive plenaries

• Investment announcement sessions

• Peer-reviewed academic presentations

• Masterclasses on financing, regulation, and project de-risking

• Investor–developer pitch sessions

• Innovation showcases and youth engagement platforms

A key highlight will be the official Opening Ceremony, where the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango, will serve as Guest of Honour — underscoring the national importance of the Conference and the Government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy implementation.

A Call to Participate

Dr. Kakoma-Bowa has issued a broad call to stakeholders across government, industry, academia, finance, and development cooperation to actively participate in shaping Zambia’s energy future.

Stakeholders are invited to:

• Submit abstracts for peer-reviewed technical and policy papers

• Register as delegates

• Secure exhibition booths to showcase technologies and services

• Partner with organisers through tailored sponsorship packages

“ZARECON 2026 is about responsibility — responsibility to engineer systems that endure, to build institutions that outlast individuals, and to ensure that the energy choices we make today secure prosperity for generations to come,” Dr. Kakoma-Bowa emphasised.

Participation opportunities are open to renewable energy developers, financiers, utilities, regulators, researchers, startups, women and youth entrepreneurs, media and industrial energy users seeking reliable, sustainable power solutions.

Beyond the two-day programme, ZARECON 2026 aims to deliver measurable outcomes — including investment commitments, strengthened public–private partnerships, evidence-based policy recommendations, and post-conference implementation tracking.

In doing so, the Conference reinforces Zambia’s ambition to position itself as a Green Energy Hub for Southern Africa, aligned with national development priorities and the President’s broader economic reform agenda.

As global momentum toward clean energy accelerates, Zambia has an opportunity not merely to participate in the energy transition — but to lead within the region.

ZARECON 2026 provides the platform to do exactly that.

For registration, abstract submissions, exhibition bookings, and sponsorship opportunities, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the official conference website and engage early.

Together, Zambia is not merely discussing the future of energy.

It is engineering it.