More than 140 representatives from utilities, the private sector, development finance institutions, academia and civil society joined the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) on 28 July 2026 for a public consultation on the draft SAPP Generation and Transmission Master Plan Update. The consultation marked an important milestone in shaping the future of the Southern African region’s electricity system and provided stakeholders with the opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan before it is finalised.
Thanks to the broad array of stakeholders present, the public consultation reflected a shared commitment to transparent, inclusive and evidence-based regional energy planning.
The consultation presented the draft Generation and Transmission Master Plan and its key findings, outlining the planning methodology, assumptions and scenarios underpinning the study. Participants were guided through the regional electricity demand forecasts, generation expansion pathways and transmission development scenarios, while discussions explored the implications for future regional power system development, cross-border interconnections and opportunities for deeper regional integration.
Throughout the session, SAPP experts responded to questions from participants and explained the consultation process, including how written comments submitted by stakeholders will be considered as part of the finalisation of the Master Plan. The strong participation from across the region highlighted the importance stakeholders place on coordinated, long-term planning to ensure a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity future for Southern Africa.
Enabled through the Germany-funded ENGAGE project, GET.transform has been supporting SAPP throughout the update of the Generation and Transmission Master Plan by providing technical expertise and facilitating stakeholder engagement. This latest consultation builds on earlier activities under the partnership, which aim to strengthen regional planning capacities and support the development of a modern, interconnected Southern African power system.
Following the consultation, SAPP will review all feedback received before publishing the final Generation and Transmission Master Plan by the end of 2026.
Stakeholders are still invited to share their written feedback by 28 August 2026.
The consultation documents and online feedback form are available via sapp.co.zw
