“UNZA, ZARENA, and Lloyds Financials Launch Zambia’s Clean Energy Conference”

By Daily News Reporter

The University Of Zambia (UNZA), Lloyds Financials, and the Zambia Renewable Energy Agency (ZARENA) have officially launched the Zambia Annual Renewable Energy Conference 2026 (ZARECON 2026), a landmark platform designed to accelerate the country’s energy transition through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable investment.

This Zambia Annual Renewable Energy Conference 2026 (ZARECON 2026) will bring together academia, finance, government, and industry leaders in a united call to accelerate Zambia’s energy transition. The conference, scheduled for March 25–26, 2026 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka, is positioned as a defining moment for the nation’s energy future.

Speaking at the media launch in Lusaka, UNZA Vice Chancellor Prof. Mundia Muya emphasized the indispensable role of academia in shaping Zambia’s energy future underscored the critical role of universities in shaping Zambia’s energy landscape. He  also stressed that policy discussions, investment strategies, and technology choices must be grounded in peer‑reviewed research, data, and local realities, while remaining aligned with global standards.

He further pledged to provide academic leadership, bridging theory and practice, and advancing knowledge, innovation, and human capital development to support Zambia’s long‑term sustainable growth.

And Jumbe Ngoma, representing Lloyds Financials, also announced the institution’s honor in serving as the lead financial partner for ZARECON 2026. He emphasized that unlocking Zambia’s renewable energy potential requires bankable projects, de‑risked investment structures, and aligned policy frameworks.

Ngoma highlighted practical financing solutions such as green bonds, carbon markets, blended finance, and mini‑grid models, noting that Lloyds Financials will host masterclass sessions to equip stakeholders with tools to mobilize capital and manage risk.

Meanwhile Dr. Chilala Kakoma Bowa, Executive Director of ZARENA, declared ZARECON 2026 as a “declaration of intent” to move Zambia from policy ambition to action.

She emphasized Zambia’s abundant renewable potential—solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower—and stressed that the challenge lies in collective action.

Dr. Bowa outlined ZARECON’s core values: integrity, collaboration, engineering excellence, innovation with impact, and inclusion.

The conference is under the theme, “Powering Zambia’s Future: Pioneering Policy, Innovation, and Partnerships for Energy Security – From Policy to Action,” which reflects its action‑oriented approach. A post‑conference tracking framework will ensure accountability by monitoring commitments, investments, and policy reforms.

Organizers stressed that ZARECON 2026 is not a “talk shop” but a platform for implementation, designed to influence policy, unlock investment, and catalyze projects. With strong support from the Ministry of Energy, ZARENA is positioning Zambia as a green energy hub for Southern Africa through initiatives like the Global Renewable Centre (GRC).

Speaking at the same media launch on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Energy, Mr Brian Mainza emphasized the government’s commitment to diversifying Zambia’s energy mix.

“Energy is a foundation upon which economies grow, industries expand, and societies prosper. The choices we make today in energy planning, infrastructure investment, and technology adoption will determine our competitiveness, resilience to climate shocks, and ability to achieve inclusive development for decades to come,” Mainza said.

The Ministry highlighted policies supporting renewable energy, including the open access regime and a single licensing portal, while stressing that government alone cannot shape the future of the energy sector. Strong partnerships with the private sector, academia, and development partners are essential to achieving energy security.

 “Energy is a foundation upon which economies grow, industries expand, and societies prosper. The choices we make today in energy planning, infrastructure investment, and technology adoption will determine our competitiveness, resilience to climate shocks, and ability to achieve inclusive development for decades to come,” Mainza said. 

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