SAPP Meeting Concludes with Call for Stronger Regional Energy Cooperation
The 66th Management Committee Meeting of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) has concluded with a call for enhanced cooperation among member utilities to address growing electricity demand and strengthen sustainable energy systems across Southern Africa.
The four-day meeting, which ran from 9 to 12 March, was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka and brought together 17 power utilities from 12 countries across the region.
Speaking during the opening session, Justin Loongo, Managing Director of ZESCO Limited, urged regional utilities to increase investment in sustainable energy solutions to meet rising electricity demand.
“As we reflect on the achievements of the past three decades, we must also recognise that the region now stands at a critical juncture. Across Southern Africa, demand for electricity continues to grow at a rapid pace, driven by industrial development, population growth and expanding economic activity,” Eng. Loongo said.
He noted that the region continues to face challenges including generation deficits, climate variability and transmission constraints, adding that recent droughts affecting hydro-dependent power systems have underscored the need for resilient and diversified energy systems.
“The recent drought experienced in parts of the region, particularly affecting hydro-dependent systems, has reminded us of the importance of building resilient and diversified power systems,” he said.
Eng. Loongo further emphasised that Southern Africa possesses significant energy resources that could transform the region into one of the most competitive energy markets globally.
“The region is endowed with vast energy resources, including hydropower, solar, wind, coal and gas, which, if optimally harnessed, can transform Southern Africa into one of the most competitive energy regions in the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Zambian Government has urged SAPP to support Africa’s Mission 300 initiative, which aims to expand electricity access across the continent and shape the future of Africa’s energy sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy, Arnold Simwaba challenged delegates to work towards the realisation of the five pillars of the Mission 300 framework.
These include expanding least-cost power generation, strengthening regional electricity markets, improving last-mile electricity access, increasing private sector participation and improving the financial performance of power utilities.
Eng. Simwaba acknowledged that many utilities in the region continue to face financial challenges that have affected their performance.
“The utilities have been facing challenges that have affected their financial performance. Common to all the countries in the region are challenges such as high distribution losses, infrastructure theft, vandalism and other operational inefficiencies. These challenges cost utilities millions of dollars annually,” he said.
He stressed the need for innovative technical solutions, stronger regulatory enforcement and unified regional frameworks to ensure utilities remain financially viable and capable of attracting concessional financing.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by SAPP member utilities to strengthen regional electricity cooperation and improve power supply across Southern Africa as demand for energy continues to grow.
