Brian Tahinduka Advocates for Sustainable Energy Growth at SADC Summit. Brian Tahinduka, Standard Bank Group’s Executive Head for Energy, Infrastructure, and Mining in Africa Regions & Offshore, played a key role at the 2025 SADC Sustainable Energy Week, contributing to discussions on regional energy development and economic growth.
Tahinduka participated in two panels focusing on “Creating a Conducive Environment for Sustainable Energy Development in the SADC Region” and “Productive Uses of Energy to Boost Livelihoods, Income, and Employment Generation.” These sessions highlighted the importance of policy alignment, investment incentives, and regional cooperation in advancing sustainable energy.
A central theme of the discussions was the need for harmonized policies to attract investment and promote renewable energy. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (REEESAP) was presented as a key initiative to bridge the energy supply-demand gap while fostering economic development. Emphasis was placed on accelerating energy access, ensuring long-term energy security, and reducing carbon emissions.
The productive use of energy was another major focus, particularly for micro and small enterprises. Reliable and affordable energy is essential for driving business growth, improving livelihoods, and creating job opportunities. Financial institutions, including Standard Bank, were recognized for their role in supporting SMEs through funding and capacity-building programs.
The summit reinforced the significance of collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and the private sector in ensuring a sustainable and inclusive energy transition. As SADC nations work towards implementing energy policies that support economic resilience, further discussions and partnerships are expected to drive progress in the region.