Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver a keynote address at the African Energy Week (AEW) conference in Cape Town later this year, as his government pushes to attract investment into the country’s emerging oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.
The conference, which runs from 29 September to 3 October, is regarded as one of Africa’s biggest dealmaking platforms for the energy industry. Mnangagwa’s participation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is trying to position itself as a future gas producer and expand its role in regional energy markets.
Although Zimbabwe does not yet produce oil or gas, Australian company Invictus Energy has been exploring the Cabora Bassa basin in the north of the country. The company announced gas discoveries at its Mukuyu wells in 2023 and 2024, and is expected to drill a new high-impact exploration well, Musuma-1, later this year.
The government is finalising a Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement with Invictus and has granted the project National Project Status, which allows tax breaks, duty exemptions and fast-tracked permits. Officials say this move signals their commitment to speeding up gas development.
Beyond exploration, Zimbabwe is also investing in regional fuel and power infrastructure. Plans are underway to expand the Beira pipeline linking Mozambique and Zimbabwe, while coal production is forecast to rise by more than 10% in 2025. Hydropower projects such as Batoka Gorge and Mutirikwi are also expected to boost electricity supply.
Mnangagwa has argued that Zimbabwe’s energy sector could become a key driver of growth. Speaking ahead of the conference, he stressed the importance of regional collaboration. As chairperson of the Southern African Development Community until earlier this month, he championed energy and infrastructure links across borders.
NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said Zimbabwe represents “a prime example of a frontier energy market with significant potential.” He added: “At a time when African energy demand continues to grow, frontier markets such as Zimbabwe will play an instrumental part in the next era of development.”
Analysts say the challenge will be whether Zimbabwe can translate exploration success into production, given the country’s long-standing economic difficulties and high capital requirements in the energy sector.
AEW organisers expect Mnangagwa’s appearance to draw strong interest from investors, financiers and technology companies looking for opportunities in southern Africa’s energy landscape.
