BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is intensifying efforts to diversify its energy mix and accelerate the shift towards clean and sustainable power sources, with wind energy emerging as a key opportunity for the region.
Director of Energy Thabile Nkosi on February 23,2026 moderated a high-level session at the ongoing SADC Sustainable Energy Week 2026 being held in Zimbabwe, under the theme “Wind Power Development in the SADC Region.”
The session brought together policymakers, energy experts, utilities, financiers and private sector players to examine opportunities, innovations and challenges facing wind power development across Southern African Development Community member states.
Discussions noted that while SADC countries have made notable progress in hydropower and solar energy, wind remains the least developed renewable energy resource in the region, despite its significant potential.
Participants highlighted that unlocking this potential could play a critical role in strengthening energy security, reducing carbon emissions and supporting economic growth.
The session underscored the importance of a balanced and diversified energy mix, drawing lessons from regional and international case studies where wind energy has successfully complemented other renewable sources.
Emphasis was also placed on the need for bankable investment pathways, robust policy and regulatory frameworks, and long-term planning to attract both local and international investors into the wind energy space.
Collaboration emerged as a central theme, with speakers calling for stronger partnerships between governments, power utilities, financial institutions and the private sector to accelerate wind power deployment across the region.
Capacity building and skills development were also identified as priorities to ensure that SADC countries are well equipped to design, install, operate and maintain wind energy infrastructure.
The engagement reaffirmed SADC’s commitment to a clean energy transition that is inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the region’s development needs.
As the region looks to the future, wind power is increasingly being recognised not only as an untapped resource, but as a strategic pillar in building a resilient and low-carbon energy system.
#SADCSEW2026 #WindPower #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition
