Countries prioritise Batoka Gorge hydropower project to support industrial growth and energy resilience.
Regional transmission upgrades set to boost power trading within the Southern African Power Pool.
Kariba Dam rehabilitation and floating solar plans advance diversification and system stability.
Zambia and Zimbabwe are accelerating joint investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure as part of a coordinated strategy to strengthen energy security, enhance system resilience and deepen regional electricity trade.
The commitment was reaffirmed by Zambia’s Minister of Energy and Chairperson of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers, Mr Makozo Chikote MP, during the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the Council held in Victoria Falls on 28 December 2025. He said the two countries were intensifying collaboration on strategic energy projects in response to climate impacts that have constrained hydropower output at the Kariba Complex.
A key priority is the proposed 2,400 megawatt Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme, which Mr Chikote described as a transformative bilateral investment with the potential to drive industrialisation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth in both countries. He urged the Zambezi River Authority to fast track implementation by running project milestones in parallel, in line with guidance from the two Heads of State.
Regional transmission development also featured prominently, with Mr Chikote highlighting the Zimbabwe Zambia Botswana Namibia Phase I project. The interconnector is expected to provide an alternative power wheeling route between Zambia and Zimbabwe, ease existing transmission bottlenecks and support increased electricity trading within the Southern African Power Pool.
On asset sustainability, Mr Chikote reported steady progress on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project. Plunge pool reshaping was completed in 2024, while Spillway Refurbishment Phase I was finalised in November 2025. Phase II works have reached 30 percent completion. He described the programme as essential to preserving the long term structural integrity and safe operation of the dam.
Supporting Zambia’s broader energy diversification strategy, Mr Chikote welcomed backing from the African Development Bank, including one million US dollars for feasibility studies into a floating solar photovoltaic plant on Lake Kariba. The project is intended to complement hydropower generation and improve resilience amid increasing climate variability.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development and incoming Chairperson of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers, Mr July Moyo MP, commended the Authority for its prudent management of the shared water resource under difficult hydrological conditions. He also praised the strong bilateral partnership between the two countries, noting that joint planning and cooperation have been critical in maintaining electricity supply.
At the meeting, Zambia formally handed over the Chairpersonship of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers to Zimbabwe, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to continued collaboration in support of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for regional development.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal