‘Energy challenges should be resolved’

REMARKS by Her Excellency Gladys Kokorwe, Botswana ambassador to Zimbabwe at the 4th International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo

Let me start by thanking the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe through the rightful Ministry of Energy and in collaboration with the private sector organisations for arranging this meeting to discuss very important matters of renewable energy.

I wish to underscore the importance of the Ministry of Energy by joining hands with all related stakeholders to address each other on this subject matter of overcoming shortcomings and challenges faced in energy services in Zimbabwe as well as in the region and beyond.

May we recall that as good neighbors, Zimbabwe and Botswana share familial, cultural, historical and economic ties which go as far back as the pre-colonial era, whose ties became even stronger after both countries attained their independence.

Let me further recall that as good neighbors who have peacefully co-existed from time in memorial, there is bound to be issues of concern to both governments as our citizenry interact due to the close proximity of our two sister countries, our communities and especially that we share common borders.

I wish to appreciate all energy & related organisations for having taken time to come and converge to discuss their experiences with Government, and where possible suggest solutions to some challenges they experience in the quest of finding ways of provision of total quality energy to Zimbabwe as well as possible export to neighboring countries, the region and eventually to the African continent.

I indulge both Government representatives of the Setswana adage “Mafoko a Kgotla a Mantle otlhe” loosely translated “everybody’s view is most welcome”.

On one hand I encourage all stakeholders to explore avenues of Public Private Partnership with Government to ensure that there are everlasting solutions to challenges of shortage of energy and related value chain products.

May I encourage Government representatives to also continue supporting the needs of private space community, so that both parties in various forum or platforms of interaction may collectively make resolutions and recommendations to leaders and or principals whom I am convinced are always eager to see energy issues speedily resolved and taking Zimbabwe to greater heights.

My Government, of the Republic of Botswana is keen to see the diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation between our two countries birthing value chain partnerships out of the diverse energy business community that is already flourishing in the 2nd Republic.

The Embassy of the Republic of Botswana here in Zimbabwe has its doors open to the business community that is interested in collaborating with Botswana business community for mutual benefits. Botswana and Zimbabwe need collaboration of value adding partnerships across all sectors.

In conclusion I wish to express my satisfaction on the implementation of commitments from the inaugural Bi-National Commission in 2019 where the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Botswana rolled up their sleeves to deal with most areas of mutual interest.

Lastly, I wish to express best wishes to His Excellency the President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to the Government and the people of Zimbabwe success in the up - coming 2023 General Elections.