Zimbabwe has joined the International Energy Forum (IEF) to ensure it's not left out in the global energy dialogue and programmes that promote power security.
IEF is the global home of energy dialogue, market stability and transparency, and the energy transition.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube on Wednesday signed the agreement with IEF’s secretary-general Joseph McMonigle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, Ncube said the initiative will help the country navigate its pressing energy challenges.
“Closer collaboration with the top actors in the global energy market is of great value to Zimbabwe as we seek to reduce energy poverty and enhance energy security, while facing up to the challenges caused by price inflation, climate change and geopolitical uncertainty,” he said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, McMonigle said: “The IEF is pleased to welcome Zimbabwe as a full member, bringing our community of African members to 23 countries.”
“The IEF is committed to ensuring that Zimbabwe’s and Africa’s voices are heard in the global energy dialogue, especially the urgent need to scale up the supply of reliable and affordable energy to eradicate energy poverty, which is a prerequisite for development.”
Zimbabwe has a rich lithium reserve which is poised to play a key role in the country’s transition to green energy.