AFRY to update key studies for Batoka Gorge project, Zambia

AFRY has secured a contract from the Zambezi River Authority, the organisation jointly owned by Zambia and Zimbabwe, to update the feasibility study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Batoka Gorge hydroelectric scheme.

The proposed plant, to be sited in the Batoka Gorge about 47km downstream of Victoria Falls, is planned to have an installed capacity of up to 2400MW.

“We are committed to advancing sustainable hydropower solutions utilising the potential of the Zambezi River. Hydropower is a cornerstone of the global energy transition, and we are delighted to be part of empowering communities with reliable, renewable energy solutions that stand the test of time,” said Ernst Zeller, Segment Head, Hydro at AFRY.

Under the contract, AFRY will review earlier studies and update them with detailed technical, economic, and operational analyses aimed at optimising the plant’s layout and operations. The work will include assessments of hydrology and climate change, installed capacity, reservoir operations, energy production, and the associated transmission system.

The assignment also covers updates to the environmental and social impact assessments, a review of the implementation schedule, and preparation of tender documents.

Source: AFRY to update key studies for Batoka Gorge project, Zambia (04/12/2025)

Govt officials to lead journalists on a tour of Byo-Vic Falls Road

 CABINET ministers and senior Government officials will this week lead journalists from various media houses on a tour of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation and upgrading project.

The delegation will comprise Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development chairperson Cde Tawanda Karikoga, legislators and senior government officials will lead journalists on a tour to check on progress made so far.

The tour comes after the Government has prioritised the US$1,2 billion rehabilitation and upgrade of the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway — including the construction of modern toll plazas with weighbridges — as one of the flagship infrastructure projects to be rolled out between 2026 and 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is a critical trade and tourism artery linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, Namibia and Botswana, is being upgraded under the Government’s ongoing national road rehabilitation and modernisation programme.

Initially, five contractors — Fossil Contracting, Masimba Construction, Syvern Investment, Bitumen Resources and Tensor Systems — were awarded contracts to rehabilitate sections of the 440-kilometre stretch.

However, the Government recently added three more contractors for Lots 6, 7 and 8, covering the final approaches to Victoria Falls, to fast-track completion.

Source: Govt officials to lead journalists on a tour of Byo-Vic Falls Road (03/12/2025)