By Mercy Ngoma
Zambia and Zimbabwe, through the Zambezi River Authority – ZRA, have agreed to increase annual water allocation for power generation to 30 billion cubic metres in 2026.
The allocation has been raised from 28 billion cubic metres and will be shared equally between the two countries.
The move is part of mitigation measures aimed at stabilising the energy sector following climate-induced challenges.
Energy Minister and Chairperson of the ZRA Council of Ministers, MAKOZO CHIKOTE, says the two countries remain committed to strategic power generation and transmission investments.
Mr. CHIKOTE says the investments are key to enhancing energy security, resilience and regional integration.
He was speaking during the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ZRA Council of Ministers held at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls.
Mr. CHIKOTE said Zambia and Zimbabwe are strengthening collaboration on major energy infrastructure projects following reduced hydropower generation at the Kariba Dam Power Station.
He cited the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, with a capacity of 2,400 megawatts, as a priority bilateral project.
Mr. CHIKOTE said the project is expected to drive industrialisation, job creation and economic growth in both countries.
He also urged the Zambezi River Authority to fast-track implementation in line with directives from the two Heads of State.
The Minister further highlighted the Zimbabwe–Zambia–Botswana–Namibia – ZIZABONA Phase One Project, which will provide an alternative power wheeling route between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
He said the project will ease transmission constraints and enhance power trading under the Southern African Power Pool.
Meanwhile, Mr. CHIKOTE said rehabilitation works at the Kariba Dam are progressing well.
He said the plunge pool reshaping was completed in 2024, while Spillway Refurbishment Phase One was finalised in November 2025.
Phase Two works are currently at 30 percent completion.
Mr. CHIKOTE said the rehabilitation remains critical to safeguarding the long-term structural integrity and safety of the Kariba Dam.
He also welcomed support from the African Development Bank, which has committed one million US dollars towards feasibility studies for a floating solar plant on Lake Kariba.
Meanwhile, incoming Chairperson of the ZRA Council of Ministers and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, JULY MOYO, commended the Authority for prudent management of the shared water resource.
Mr. MOYO said strong cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe remains key to sustaining power supply.
Zambia has since handed over the Chairpersonship of the ZRA Council of Ministers to Zimbabwe.
