Sidumisile Mabena
Rutendo Nyeve
[email protected]
THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has taken a strategic step by joining the International Hydropower Association (IHA), a move expected to sharpen its operational capacity and significantly strengthen the bankability of its major infrastructure projects across the shared watercourse.
The authority, which is jointly owned by the Governments of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe, announced its membership in the London-based IHA, a non-profit organisation representing the global hydropower sector.
The development signals a renewed sense of purpose for ZRA, one that blends regional priorities with global ambition.
As the authority deepens its engagement with the international hydropower community, it is set to not only strengthen its operations, including the ongoing Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project but also elevate the credibility of its project pipeline, particularly the Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Scheme.
Industry analysts note that IHA membership will ensure that future developments are robust, resilient, and ready for financing.
ZRA chief executive, Eng Munyaradzi Munodawafa, said the move underscores the authority’s commitment to responsible resource management.
“Harnessing the Zambezi River responsibly is not just about ensuring that there is a sustainable supply of water for hydropower generation, the authority’s mission extends beyond power generation to securing long-term benefits for communities and ecosystems,” said Eng Munodawafa.
With energy demand rising across Southern Africa, the stakes are high. Reliable power supply remains central to industrial growth and economic transformation, while climate change continues to reshape water availability and infrastructure resilience.
For the authority, the milestone signals more than international recognition. It marks a strategic pivot towards deeper collaboration, global best practices, and enhanced technical credibility at a time when investment in hydropower projects is increasingly scrutinised.
Against this backdrop, the authority’s entry into the IHA is both timely and strategic. By aligning itself with international standards and expertise, ZRA is positioning its projects to attract investment and deliver sustainable outcomes.
Membership in the IHA places the authority among leading institutions shaping the future of large-dam discourse, ensuring that both Zambia and Zimbabwe benefit from improved project bankability, technical assistance, and access to global financing networks.
The Batoka Gorge project, a flagship initiative expected to add over 2 400 megawatts to the regional grid, stands to gain significantly from this partnership. As ZRA deepens its technical credibility, the scheme is expected to move closer to financial close, unlocking much-needed investment for energy security in the two nations.
Zimpapers understands that the authority will now participate in IHA’s working groups, sustainability protocols, and knowledge-sharing platforms, further embedding world-class standards into its operations. For the people of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the benefits could not be clearer: more reliable power, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a shared river managed for generations to come.
