By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
The Government has reaffirmed Zambia and Zimbabwe’s commitment to strategic power generation and transmission investments aimed at enhancing energy security, resilience and regional integration.
Zambia’s Minister of Energy and Chairperson of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers, Makozo Chikote, said the two countries were intensifying collaboration on key energy infrastructure projects following climate-induced challenges that adversely affected hydropower generation at the Kariba Complex.
Mr. Chikote identified the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (2,400MW) as a priority bilateral investment.
“This is a transformative project that will drive industrialization, job creation and economic growth in both countries,” he added.
The Minister was speaking during the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ZRA Council of Ministers held at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls,.
He urged the Zambezi River Authority to fast-track implementation by executing project milestones in parallel in line with directives from the two Heads of State.
Mr. Chikote further underscored the importance of regional transmission infrastructure, highlighting the Zimbabwe–Zambia–Botswana–Namibia (ZIZABONA) Phase I Project, which will provide an alternative power wheeling route between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“The project is expected to address existing transmission constraints and enhance power trading under the Southern African Power Pool,”Mr. Chikote stated.
On infrastructure sustainability, he announced continued progress on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, with plunge pool reshaping completed in 2024, Spillway Refurbishment Phase I completed in November 2025, and Phase II works currently at 30 percent completion.
“The rehabilitation programme remains a critical investment to safeguard the long-term structural integrity and operational safety of the Kariba Dam,” he stressed.
In line with Zambia’s energy diversification agenda, Mr. Chikote welcomed support from the African Development Bank, including US$1 million allocated towards feasibility studies for a Floating Solar Photovoltaic Plant on Lake Kariba.
He noted that the project will complement hydropower and strengthen energy resilience in the face of climate variability.
Mr. Chikote reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Zimbabwe to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy that supports economic growth and regional development.
Meanwhile, the incoming Chairperson of the ZRA Council of Ministers, July Moyo, applauded the Zambezi River Authority for the prudent management of the shared water resource despite challenging hydrological conditions.
Mr. Moyo, who is also Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, hailed the strong partnership between the two countries.
“Collective planning and cooperation have been central to addressing energy challenges and sustaining power supply in both countries,” he stated.
Zambia has now handed over the Chairpersonship of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers to Zimbabwe.
