Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
THE Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers has approved an increased water allocation for power generation and directed the acceleration of the US$4.2 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme.
Energy ministers from Zimbabwe and Zambia, alongside ZRA technical experts, convened for the 43rd COM meeting in Victoria Falls early this week for a session that was co-chaired by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, and his Zambian Counterpart Makozo Chikote.
The meeting reviewed progress on key energy projects along the Zambezi River, assessed hydrological conditions and determined water allocations for power generation at Kariba South and North Power Stations, which serve Zimbabwe and Zambia respectively.
The COM received an update on the BGHES, a regional project for Southern Africa, where updates to engineering feasibility and environmental studies are currently underway.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Council noted the progress and directed a revision of project timelines to expedite implementation.
“Advisory services have been strengthened through the engagement of the Financial, Technical and Legal Advisory Consultants,” the communiqué stated. “Whilst COM noted the progress, it directed that the timelines for the implementation of the project be revised as agreed by the two Heads of State at the Bi-National Commission meeting held in Zimbabwe in November 2025 with a view to accelerating the implementation of the project.”
The COM reaffirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership model for the project. It noted that the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments should provide a $220 million equity contribution and explore further equity partnerships to enhance the project’s bankability. This allocation is earmarked for the construction of the BGHES dam at the start of the 2026 budget cycle.
“This allocation will be for the BGHES dam construction for the budget cycle beginning 2026 over flexible timelines,” the communiqué read. “COM also noted the establishment of the Resource Mobilisation Committee whose objective is to raise funds for the publicly-owned dam infrastructure component of the project. The Resource Mobilisation efforts will be spear-headed by the Ministers responsible for Finance.”
On water allocation, the ZRA COM approved 30 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water for power generation in 2026, to be shared equally by the Zimbabwean and Zambian power utilities.
This represents an increase of 2 BCM from the 28 BCM approved in the fourth quarter of 2025. The decision follows hydrological simulations and rainfall forecasts from the Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) and respective national meteorological departments.
The Authority is also exploring the long-term possibility of water abstraction from the Congo Basin through the construction of a transfer canal.
“COM noted the continued efforts of the Authority in working closely with other regional stakeholder institutions aimed at supporting efforts for the implementation of feasibility studies for the Congo River to Zambezi River water transfer scheme,” the communiqué stated.
In addition, the COM is considering the feasibility of importing power from Tanzania and Angola, with work already advancing on a 912 km, 330 kV transmission line and associated substations.
“COM encouraged expedited implementation of the Zambia interconnection project, which includes 912 km of 330 kV transmission lines and associated substations,” the Council noted. The project has secured funding from the World Bank, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, with commercial operation expected by the fourth quarter of 2028.
The ZRA is also procuring an Early Warning System to protect downstream communities in the event of disasters such as flooding, with completion targeted for December 2026.
An update was provided on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP), where work on the plunge pool and spillway refurbishment is underway, with the second phase reported to be 30 percent complete.
The COM recommended accelerating and prioritising the Hwange-Mukuni powerline to facilitate power exports between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Zimbabwe are expected to play a significant role in this power-sharing arrangement.
