Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
ZIMBABWE and Zambia have reaffirmed their shared commitment to energy security and transboundary water management, with Zimbabwe’s settlement of a long-standing historical debt to its northern neighbour further deepening regional cooperation.
The developments emerged during the 43rd Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), held in Victoria Falls yesterday.
The high-level gathering was attended by a host of senior officials from both nations, signalling the strategic importance of the discussions.
Key figures present included the chairperson of the ZRA Council and Zambian Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, Finance Ministers Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane (Zambia) and Professor Mthuli Ncube (Zimbabwe), both of whom attended virtually.
Also in attendance were both countries’ Attorneys General, permanent secretaries, and the heads of power utilities Zesco and Zesa.
A landmark achievement announced was the resolution of the Ex-Capco debt.
This pertained to outstanding interest payments from financial obligations following the dissolution of the Rhodesia-era Central African Power Corporation.
Zimbabwe’s co-chairperson, Minister July Moyo, highlighted this as a pivotal step in bilateral relations.
“We meet at a time when we have scored a landmark agreement in respect of the payment of the outstanding debt owed to Zambia, also known as the Ex-Capco debt,” said Minister Moyo.
He said the agreement came within a time of renewed optimism, buoyed by recent positive hydrological data indicating higher river flows in the Zambezi, promising improved water and energy security.
Minister Moyo, who is expected to assume the chairmanship of the ZRA Council from his Zambian counterpart, emphasised the broader vision of regional integration.
“As we assemble today, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to regional energy co-operation. The interdependence of our power systems remains central to achieving energy security and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, the outgoing chairperson, Zambia’s Minister Makozo Chikote, called for accelerated action on critical infrastructure projects.
He stressed the urgent need for the ZRA to expedite developments that would deliver reliable power to fuel both nations’ economies.
This directive aligns with the recent mandate from the two countries’ Heads of State to fast-track the development of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme.
The ministers also commended the ZRA, under chief executive Eng Munyaradzi Munodawafa, for its stewardship of Lake Kariba amid recent climatic challenges.
The collaborative spirit was further highlighted by successful bi-national meetings between the two energy ministers and their principals throughout the year, all focused on resolving shared energy challenges.
With the historic debt cleared and a forward-looking agenda set, the 43rd Council meeting has laid a robust foundation for enhanced collaboration.
Zimbabwe takes to the helm with the focus now shifting to transforming commitments into concrete projects, harnessing the Zambezi’s power to illuminate the path towards shared prosperity for both nations and the wider Southern African region.
