Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have called for the accelerated implementation of key power generation projects, including the 2 400-megawatt Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electricity Scheme and the Kariba Floating Solar PV Plant, as both countries seek lasting solutions to persistent electricity shortages.
The call was made during the 43rd Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers Meeting held in Victoria Falls on Monday, where officials from the two countries stressed the urgency of cutting bureaucratic delays that have slowed progress on the flagship projects.
Zimbabwe and Zambia are jointly implementing the power initiatives through the ZRA, with the projects expected to significantly boost generation capacity and improve energy security for both economies.
Zambian Minister of Energy and ZRA Chairperson, Honourable Makozo Chikote, said delays in implementation were undermining the projects’ potential benefits.
“All we want is for the Batoka Hydro-Electricity Scheme to be done like yesterday. All the bureaucracy must be dealt with. This is a flagship project for Zambia and Zimbabwe, critical for growing our economies. Once completed, it will mean a lot, including job creation for our people. The Kariba Floating Solar PV Plant is another project we want yesterday, as it brings much-needed diversity to our energy mix,” Honourable Chikote said.
He added that the Kariba Floating Solar PV Plant was equally urgent, noting that it would contribute to diversifying the region’s energy mix while creating employment opportunities.
Renewed optimism over improved power generation was also expressed following encouraging rainfall patterns ahead of the 2025/26 rainy season.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo, said hydrological data pointed to improved water flows in the Zambezi River.
“Recent hydrological data from Nana’s Farm and the Victoria Falls gauging station indicate river flows significantly higher than those recorded last year. This positive development gives us hope for an improved rainfall season and enhanced water and energy security in our two countries,” Honourable Moyo said
In line with the improved outlook, ZRA announced an increase in the 2026 power-generation water allocation at Kariba Dam to 30 billion cubic metres, up from 28 billion cubic metres this year.
Under the allocation, Zimbabwe and Zambia will each receive 15 billion cubic metres of water for electricity generation in 2026.
