Zimbabwe Backs Regional Eco-Infrastructure Summit for Sustainable Investment

Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe has endorsed the Southern Africa Eco-Infrastructure Summit (SAEIS) 2026, with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development officially supporting the regional investment forum as a strategic platform to mobilise capital for sustainable infrastructure, clean energy and smart development across Southern Africa.

The three-day summit, scheduled for July 15 to17 in Victoria Falls, will be held under the theme, "Reimagining Southern Africa's Future: AI-Driven Eco-Infrastructure for Sustainable Real Estate and Development."

Hosting the regional event would  boost Zimbabwe as it aligns with the country's Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, energy security, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

As the lead policy Ministry and co-host, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development is expected to facilitate engagement between government, investors, development finance institutions and project developers to unlock strategic infrastructure opportunities in Zimbabwe and across the region.

The summit comes as Southern Africa seeks innovative financing models and stronger regional collaboration to address widening infrastructure deficits, climate change and the transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

Government Ministers, municipal authorities, development finance institutions, utilities, infrastructure developers, technology firms, sustainability experts, academics and private sector executives from Africa and beyond are expected to attend the high-level forum.

Event organisers said deliberations will focus on decarbonisation, energy efficiency, public-private partnerships, smart infrastructure, digital transformation, climate resilience, sustainable urban development and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the next generation of infrastructure projects.

A key feature of the summit will be the launch of the SAEIS Investment Arena Challenge, described by organisers as Southern Africa's first live eco-infrastructure investment pitching platform.

The initiative will provide ten shortlisted projects from across the region with an opportunity to pitch directly to investors, development finance institutions, government ministers, corporate executives and infrastructure specialists in search of bankable projects for funding, strategic partnerships and implementation support.

The selected projects will span clean energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, climate-resilient development, smart cities, digital connectivity, water and sanitation systems, and sustainable real estate.

Organisers say the platform is designed to accelerate project implementation by connecting developers with financiers and decision-makers under one roof, while creating new opportunities for investment across the region.

The summit will also feature a Future Leaders Track, giving Universities, research institutions, start-ups and young entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase innovations and emerging technologies capable of transforming Africa's sustainable infrastructure landscape.

Regional and international participation are expected to enhance the summit's global profile, with policymakers, corporate leaders, sustainability organisations and development finance institutions participating as speakers, panellists, judges and investment partners.

Among the confirmed panellists is Caroline Adriaensen, former Head of Development Cooperation for the European Union in East Africa.

Representatives from Greenpeace Africa are also expected to contribute insights on climate action, environmental accountability and responsible infrastructure investment.

Zimbabwe's Minister of Energy and Power Development, Deputy Minister and Permanent Secretary will grace the event.

Delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East are expected.

Beyond policy discussions, the Southern Africa Eco-Infrastructure Summit promotes low-carbon and climate-resilient real estate projects; Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategies as well as innovative green building materials and construction practices.