ZIMBABWE and Zambia have committed a combined US$440 million towards accelerating the implementation of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES) following a meeting of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers held on Monday in Victoria Falls.
The council, chaired for 2026 by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, reaffirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the US$4.2 billion project.
Each Government approved an equity contribution of US$220 million to initiate construction, with project timelines set to be reviewed to allow for faster implementation in line with guidance from the two Heads of State.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, Minister Moyo confirmed the decision.
“COM reaffirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership model and approved a US$220 million equity contribution by each Government, including exploration of equity partnerships to enhance bankability. This allocation will be for the BGHES dam construction for the budget cycle beginning 2026 over flexible timelines,” he said.
The council noted progress on the project, including updated feasibility studies and enhanced financial and technical advisory support.
A Resource Mobilisation Committee, chaired by the Finance Ministers of both countries, has been established to mobilise additional funding for the project’s public infrastructure component.
The council also reviewed other projects under the Zambezi River Authority portfolio, including the 600MW Kariba Floating Solar PV plant, with the first 150MW phase scheduled for commissioning in mid-2026, and progress on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project.
Community development projects under the Zambezi Valley Development Fund were also reviewed, including the completed Nyangwizhu Clinic in Hurungwe and Chidyamugwamu health post in Kariba. The council directed that the facilities be officially commissioned in collaboration with local leadership.
Read more:
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th February 2026) Fresh momentum for Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (31st December 2025) Zimbabwe, Zambia commit US$440m to Batoka Gorge project.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th December 2025) AFRY to update key studies for Batoka Gorge project, Zambia.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd June 2025) Zimbabwe And Zambia Renew Investor Search For Batoka Gorge Project.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd May 2025) Zambia, Zimbabwe Court Investors to Revive $5 Billion Hydro Dam.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd November 2024) Zambezi River Authority updates Batoka project feasibility studies.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th March 2024) Zambia and Zimbabwe to retender $5bn Batoka Gorge hydropower plant
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th June 2023) Zambia looks to cancel $5 billion Batoka Gorge HES project.
See also the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.
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