Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE and Zambia are moving to strengthen cooperation on climate change mitigation, wildlife conservation and energy security following high-level talks in Harare on Friday.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brigadier General (Rtd) Wilson Tembo met Acting President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, with discussions centring on joint responses to climate-induced challenges affecting both countries.
The talks come against the backdrop of the 2023–2024 drought, which significantly reduced water levels at Kariba Dam, triggering prolonged power outages in both nations.
“We discussed issues ranging from the energy sector. As you know, both countries have been ravaged by the drought that took place in 2023–2024, which affected the water levels of the Kariba Dam, where we draw our electricity. So that caused a lot of problems, power outages, both here in Zimbabwe and in Zambia,” Ambassador Tembo said.
He said the two countries are exploring alternative and renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on hydropower.
“We are discussing issues pertaining to that, how we need to look at other energy sources, renewable energy sources, the Batoka Gorge project that is currently in progress, just to encourage each other that we need to go firm on that project. And then, of course, other initiatives that are being worked on, solar power initiatives and so on,” he added.
Central to the discussions was the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, a proposed 2,400-megawatt project expected to bolster long-term energy security, enhance climate resilience and support sustainable development in the region.
Beyond energy, the meeting also covered agriculture, youth empowerment and skills development cooperation between the two countries.
“I think we have the Harare Polytechnic signing a memorandum of understanding with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority in Zambia, where some of our young people are currently training at the Harare Polytechnic in a number of skills. And then, of course, we spoke about going further to consolidate our bilateral relations, which have seen the test of time,” Ambassador Tembo said.
Wildlife conservation also featured prominently in the talks, particularly under the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), where Zimbabwe currently holds the presidency.
“Yes, we did also speak about that issue, particularly the Zambezi-Mana Pools areas, and then the Zimbabwe-Mozambique-Zambia arrangement under that as well. That is one issue that we discussed,” he said.
The renewed push for cooperation reflects growing concern across Southern Africa over the impact of climate change, including recurring droughts, floods and rising temperatures that threaten water security, electricity generation and public health.
Both governments signalled their intention to adopt bolder, coordinated measures to strengthen resilience and safeguard shared natural resources.
