The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Minister of Energy and Chairperson of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers, Mr. Makozo Chikote, has reaffirmed Zambia and Zimbabwe’s commitment to strategic power generation and transmission investments aimed at enhancing energy security, resilience, and regional integration.
Speaking at the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ZRA Council of Ministers held at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the two countries were intensifying collaboration on key energy infrastructure projects following climate-induced challenges that have adversely affected hydropower generation at the Kariba Complex.
The Minister identified the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (2,400MW) as a priority bilateral investment, describing it as a transformative project expected to drive industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth in both countries.
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.
On infrastructure sustainability, the Minister announced continued progress on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, noting that plunge pool reshaping was completed in 2024, Spillway Refurbishment Phase I was completed in November 2025, and Phase II works are currently at 30 per cent completion.
He said the rehabilitation programme remains a critical investment to safeguard the long-term structural integrity and operational safety of the Kariba Dam.
In line with Zambia’s energy diversification agenda, Mr. Chikote welcomed support from the African Development Bank, including a US$1 million allocation towards feasibility studies for a floating solar photovoltaic plant on Lake Kariba, noting that the project will complement hydropower generation and strengthen energy resilience in the face of climate variability.
Meanwhile, the incoming Chairperson of the ZRA Council of Ministers and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, Mr. July Moyo, MP, commended the Zambezi River Authority for the prudent management of the shared water resource despite challenging hydrological conditions.
He further praised the strong partnership between Zambia and Zimbabwe, stating that collective planning and cooperation have been central to addressing energy challenges and sustaining power supply in both countries.
Mr. Chikote reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, to deepening bilateral cooperation with Zimbabwe to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy that supports economic growth and regional development.
Zambia has formally handed over the Chairpersonship of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers to Zimbabwe.
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