Zambia and Zimbabwe are moving forward with plans to boost electricity supply by committing $220 million each to restart the long-delayed $4.2 billion Batoka Gorge hydropower project. The cross-border facility, which is expected to generate 2,400 megawatts, aims to provide power to both nations and strengthen regional energy capacity.

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which manages the Kariba Dam complex and oversees the project, confirmed that both countries will also seek additional equity partners to secure funding and improve the project’s financial viability.

A joint council of ministers has approved a resource-mobilisation committee to raise the necessary capital for the publicly owned infrastructure.
The urgency for the project has grown after last year’s severe drought at the Kariba Dam led to widespread power outages, highlighting vulnerabilities in both nations’ electricity supply.

Batoka Gorge’s construction has faced repeated delays, largely due to funding shortfalls and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Zambia withdrew from an engineering, procurement, and construction contract with General Electric and China’s Power Construction Corporation, citing concerns over irregular procurement.

Currently, the ZRA has commissioned feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and appointed financial, technical, and legal advisors to ensure the project gets back on track. Once completed, the hydropower plant could significantly ease energy shortages and support economic growth in both countries.