SADC Approves Regional Framework to Drive Just Energy Transition
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has validated its Regional Just Energy Transition (JET) Framework, marking a significant step towards building a resilient, industrialised and energy-secure region.
The framework was validated at a three-day SADC Validation Workshop held in Lusaka, where delegates from Member States and partner institutions reviewed and agreed on key priorities for advancing the region’s energy transition agenda.
Speaking at the close of the workshop, SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Mpedi Magosi, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr Moses H. Ntlamelle, Senior Programme Officer – Energy at SADC, said the framework reflects the collective priorities of Member States and will guide coordinated regional action.
Mr Ntlamelle said the framework addresses critical cross-cutting challenges, including rising power demand amid constrained generation capacity, transmission bottlenecks, climate change impacts on energy systems, particularly hydropower, and the need for energy diversification to enhance resilience and security.
He noted that discussions also focused on mobilising investment for priority regional projects such as the Grand Inga hydropower scheme and associated transmission infrastructure, as well as strengthening climate resilience and unlocking financing for the energy sector.
Mr Ntlamelle expressed appreciation to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa, SADC Member States, subsidiary energy organisations and development partners for their technical leadership and collaboration.
He said the framework aligns with the 45th SADC Summit theme on advancing industrialisation, agricultural transformation and energy transition.
The validated Just Energy Transition Framework will now be refined and submitted to the SADC Committee of Ministers responsible for Energy, marking an important milestone towards a people-centred, regionally owned and resilient energy transition in Southern Africa.
