Zimbabwe and Zambia are revitalising discussions on the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme aimed at addressing energy challenges faced by both countries, Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brigadier-General (Retired) Wilson Tembo, has said.
He was speaking after paying a courtesy call on Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday, where the Batoka Gorge project, previously seemingly sidelined, gained renewed focus.
The countries were also seeking to strengthen cooperation on climate change response and mitigation, wildlife conservation and agriculture.
During their meeting, energy issues took centre stage, with
the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Station set to generate an
impressive 2,400 MW of electricity from the
The project is expected to play a critical role in
alleviating the energy deficit currently impacting both
“We discussed a range of topics related to our bilateral
relations, starting with my introduction as the new ambassador to the
“We discussed the energy sector, which has faced severe challenges due to the drought conditions experienced in 2023–2024. These conditions have severely impacted water levels in the Kariba Dam, the primary source of our electricity.
“We recognised the urgent need to explore alternative renewable energy solutions, like the Batoka Gorge project, to mitigate these challenges.
“Our discussions emphasised the importance of firm commitment to moving this project forward,” said Ambassador Tembo.
The meeting also addressed several topics, including youth empowerment, education, agriculture and wildlife conservation.
Notably,
This role allows
Ambassador Tembo said they also discussed the importance of investing in youth initiatives to prepare future leaders, enhancing educational opportunities to bolster economic growth and developing sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security.
Additionally, both countries recognised the need to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts to protect endangered species and promote eco-tourism, ultimately benefiting local communities and economies.
“We also discussed agriculture and youth empowerment, specifically training our young people,” said Ambassador Tembo.
“Harare Polytechnic signed a memorandum of understanding with the Technical and Vocational Training Authority of Zambia and some of our young people are already training at Harare Polytechnic.
“We talked about consolidating our bilateral relations, which have stood the test of time, particularly given that both our countries fought in the liberation struggle.
Source: Fresh momentum for Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (14/02/2026)
Read more:
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2026) $4.2BN Power Play: Zambia and Zimbabwe Partner on Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23rd April 2026) ZRA calls for public input on development of Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Power Station.
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
See also the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.
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