Published: 07 May 2025

Zimbabwe's Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, is set to deliver a keynote address at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris next week, as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to secure vital foreign investment in its struggling energy sector.

The high-profile event, running from May 13 to 14, is a premier platform designed to foster investment partnerships between African energy markets and global financiers. It will bring together policymakers, project developers, and industry leaders for two days of focused engagement.

In a statement, Energy Capital & Power, the South African-based organiser of the forum, confirmed Ncube's participation and outlined Zimbabwe's ambitious plans to attract capital across the power, hydrocarbons, and renewable energy value chains.

"Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe's Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, will address global investors at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris next week," the platform said.

"As a keynote speaker, Ncube will present Zimbabwe's energy investment outlook, economic reform agenda, and efforts to mobilise private capital across the power, hydrocarbons, and renewable energy value chains."

Zimbabwe is targeting rapid expansion of its energy sector to meet rising industrial and domestic demand, reduce dependency on electricity imports, and drive long-term economic transformation. Frequent power outages, which the World Bank estimates cost the economy at least US$1.27 billion annually, continue to disrupt productivity in households, commerce, and industry.

The government has identified key investment opportunities in power generation, transmission infrastructure, oil and gas exploration, and renewables — particularly solar and hydroelectric projects. However, the country faces a US$4.8 billion funding gap for large-scale solar projects alone.

"Efforts are also underway to enhance financial inclusion and secure more favourable terms for foreign investors in energy infrastructure," the platform said.

IAE 2025 is expected to play a critical role in shaping investor sentiment. According to Sandra Jeque, Director of Events & Projects at Energy Capital & Power:

"Ncube's keynote will offer investors direct insight into the policy direction and financing mechanisms shaping Zimbabwe's energy future. His presence at IAE 2025 underscores the country's strong push to deepen international investment partnerships in support of energy access and industrialisation."

Zimbabwe's strategic location, abundant natural resources, and improving macroeconomic conditions make it a compelling destination for energy and infrastructure investment, according to the organisers.

In December 2023, during the launch of Zimbabwe's fourth Economic Update by the World Bank, Ncube noted that the country required at least US$2 billion to modernise its electricity infrastructure — a critical step toward energy security and economic resilience.

The upcoming address in Paris is expected to be a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's energy investment diplomacy in 2025.
- the herald

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