Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have committed a combined US$440 million towards accelerating the implementation of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES) following a meeting of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers held on Monday in Victoria Falls.
The council, chaired for 2026 by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, reaffirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the US$4.2 billion project.
Each Government approved an equity contribution of US$220 million to initiate construction, with project timelines set to be reviewed to allow for faster implementation in line with guidance from the two Heads of State.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, Minister Moyo confirmed the decision.
“COM reaffirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership model and approved a US$220 million equity contribution by each Government, including exploration of equity partnerships to enhance bankability. This allocation will be for the BGHES dam construction for the budget cycle beginning 2026 over flexible timelines,” he said.
The council noted progress on the project, including updated feasibility studies and enhanced financial and technical advisory support.
A Resource Mobilisation Committee, chaired by the Finance Ministers of both countries, has been established to mobilise additional funding for the project’s public infrastructure component.
The council also reviewed other projects under the Zambezi River Authority portfolio, including the 600MW Kariba Floating Solar PV plant, with the first 150MW phase scheduled for commissioning in mid-2026, and progress on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project.
Community development projects under the Zambezi Valley Development Fund were also reviewed, including the completed Nyangwizhu Clinic in Hurungwe and Chidyamugwamu health post in Kariba. The council directed that the facilities be officially commissioned in collaboration with local leadership.
Can we please stop talking and get things done? Who doesn’t remember talk about the rehabilitation of ZISCOSTEEL? Who doesn’t remember the Chitungwiza-Harare commuter rail link that was mooted in the 80s and a canal running along Julius Nyerere Way? Who doesn’t remember the talk about rebuilding the NRZ and AirZimbabwe? There is too much talk about these life changing projects but nothing materializes. I hope this Batoka Gorge Power project will happen in our great grandchildren’s lifetime.