FutureCoal expands Africa Chapter to strengthen energy security and regional cooperation

The Zimbabwean energy sector continues to position itself as a key player in unlocking the country’s and region’s mineral and energy potential, amid growing efforts to enhance the value of Africa’s resource base.

With the ongoing geopolitical tensions and global supply chain disruptions, global leaders and industry stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the importance of Africa strengthening its energy security, industrial competitiveness and domestic resource development.

FutureCoal has announced its Africa Chapter expansion, uniting major coal-producing nations such as South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana under a coordinated regional platform.

The announcement was made by FutureCoal Chairman and Africa Chapter Chairperson Mike Teke during his address at the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines Annual Conference, currently underway at the  Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls. He highlighted the importance of regional collaboration as countries reassess their long-term energy and industrial development strategies.

Teke noted that recent disruptions in global energy markets have reinforced the vulnerability of international supply chains, highlighting the need for African countries to prioritise secure and reliable domestic energy systems.

While referencing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, he warned that global energy stability remains fragile and subject to sudden shocks.

“The lesson for governments is not about a single shipping route; it is about ensuring countries have access to reliable domestic energy resources, resilient supply chains and secure industrial capacity. Energy security and affordability must come first, because without them there can be no stable or sustainable transition,” he said.

Teke added that Africa must adopt a more coordinated approach to its vast energy and mineral resources, particularly as the continent holds some of the world’s largest coal reserves.

He said fragmented approaches limit Africa’s influence in global energy discussions, especially as investment flows, technology development and supply chains become increasingly interconnected.

“This expansion ensures Africa engages with a unified and credible voice in shaping the future of energy and industrial development,” he said.

He also highlighted ongoing regional developments, including the deployment of High-Efficiency Low-Emission (HELE) technology at Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 as an example of practical implementation of Sustainable Coal Stewardship principles. Rehabilitation work on Units 1 to 6 and Zimbabwe’s exploration of coal gasification and Coal-to-X pathways were also cited as part of broader energy diversification efforts.

Hwange Power Station was also mentioned as a key site demonstrating how technology upgrades can improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact while maintaining energy output.

The expansion is anchored in FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship framework, which promotes responsible coal production, emissions reduction, technology adoption and industrial development as part of a balanced energy transition.

“The issue is not whether coal exists, but how it is produced, used, and its negative impacts mitigated,” Teke said. “Sustainable Coal Stewardship provides a practical pathway for responsible development. Africa has the resources, the capability, and the people – we must now act with coordination and confidence.”

FutureCoal has invited governments, industry players and investors across the continent to actively participate in the Africa Chapter to help shape a more secure, stable and investment-ready energy future for the region.

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines Annual Conference started on June 17, 2026, and will last until June 20, 2026.