ZRA calls for public input on development of Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Power Station

 The Zambezi River Authority has called on the public and other interested stakeholders to a consultative meeting next Tuesday in Victoria Falls on the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Power Station to be jointly developed by Zimbabwe and Zambia on the Zambezi River.

The US$5 billion project is expected to generate 2 400 MW for the two countries that have endured power shortages, negatively affecting their respective economies.

“The ZRA proposes to develop the Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Scheme, a major power generation project with an installed capacity of up to 2,400 MW, along the Zambezi River, which forms the common boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe,” read part of a statement from ZRA.

“The project involves the construction of a dam wall across the Zambezi River, approximately 47 km downstream of Victoria Falls, and the development of two power stations, one on the Zambian side and the other on the Zimbabwean side of the River. The project will also include the development of townships on both sides of the River.

“The consultations are being done in accordance with the Environmental Management Act and the Environmental Management (Environmental impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection) Regulations (S17 of 2007), which compels ZRA to conduct public consultation meetings for such projects

“As part of the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, these meetings aim to inform stakeholders about the proposed project and provide an opportunity to submit views, concerns, and recommendations.

“The ZRA, therefore, cordially invites members of the public, Traditional Leaders, Government Agencies, Local Authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), the business community, and all other interested and affected parties to attend the public meetings,” read part of the statement.

The two countries have already committed US$440 million as seed capital for the project.

Zimbabwe and Zambia also share the Kariba Dam Hydro-electric Power Station.

Source: ZRA calls for public input on development of Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Power Station (23/08/2026)

Read more:

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 (1st April 2026) $4.2BN Power Play: Zambia and Zimbabwe Partner on Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project.

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.

$4.2BN Power Play: Zambia and Zimbabwe Partner on Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project

 The Zambezi River Authority’s Council of Ministers has approved a $220 million equity contribution from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments to kickstart a $4.2 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric project along the Zambezi River.

The Zambezi River Authority, which manages the Kariba Dam and the sustainable harnessing of the Zambezi River’s water resources, is governed by a Council of Ministers (COM) consisting of four members. Two are ministers in Zambia’s government, and two are ministers in Zimbabwe’s government.

Feasibility studies are underway, and a public-private partnership model is being explored to implement the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES) project, which aims to boost energy production and reduce power shortages in both countries. The project involves constructing a 2,400 MW hydropower plant on the Zambezi River.

Currently, Zambia and Zimbabwe are experiencing an electricity crisis, as the Kariba Dam, which generates most of the electricity for the two countries, is still recovering from a devastating 2024 El Niño-induced drought. Water levels in the dam remain too low to generate sufficient hydroelectricity for both countries.

The El Niño drought, the worst in over 4 decades, wiped out crops, killed millions of livestock, and reduced water levels in major dams and rivers in many countries in Southern Africa, resulting in some residential areas in Zimbabwe and Zambia going for more than 20 hours a day without electricity. Climate change droughts have become more frequent and devastating over the past two decades. Businesses in both countries have closed due to electricity shortages, with small businesses hit hardest. In Zimbabwe’s city of Mutare, the once bustling home industries have now gone quiet.

In a communiqué issued by the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers following its 43rd meeting on December 29, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the council noted progress on the energy project.

“Whilst COM noted the progress, it directed that the timelines for the implementation of the project be revised as agreed by the two Heads of State [Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema] at the Bi-National Commission meeting held in Zimbabwe in November 2025 with a view to accelerating the implementation of the project,” the Council of Ministers says in a statement.

The Council of Ministers reaffirmed its commitment to a public-private partnership model and approved a $220 million equity contribution from each government, including the exploration of equity partnerships to enhance bankability.

“This allocation will be for the BGHES dam construction for the budget cycle beginning 2026,” the Council of Ministers adds.

A resource mobilization committee, whose objective is to raise funds for the publicly owned dam infrastructure component of the project, will be led by the ministers responsible for finance in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme is located on the Zambezi River about 47 kilometers downstream of Victoria Falls. It was first conceived in 1972, following a comprehensive study commissioned by the predecessor of the Zambezi River Authority, the Central African Power Corporation. Over the past decades, the energy project has continued to evolve, incorporating modern engineering practices and sustainability considerations to ensure it meets the highest standards of efficiency and environmental stewardship.

However, Zimbabwe energy expert Eddie Cross remains skeptical about the viability and success of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric project. Cross tells The Energy Pioneer that when the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme project was originally proposed, the cost of the dam and power plant was estimated at US$7 billion.

Cross is currently the chairman of Green Hybrid Power and the Intensive Energy Users Group, a consortium of mining and industrial firms spearheading the Kariba floating solar energy project.

“A Zambian investigation found substantial inflation of costs, and the project was cancelled. It is a poor site located in the gorge below the falls. It depends on river flow, and the amount of power generated will be dependent on river flow – peak in March and very low in October. This will make it expensive to operate,” says Cross, who is also a former legislator and advisor to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Cross adds that in the lower Zambezi, Mozambique has several sites that are much more productive because the river flow is boosted by several rivers, such as Kafue, Luangwa, and Shiri, and the two major dams, Kariba and Cahora Bassa, regulate flow.

“These sites could generate up to 6000 megawatts at low costs and are a much better option,” he says.

Meanwhile, progress is being made on the Devils Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme and the Kariba Floating Solar PV Project.

The Devils Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (DGHES), the Zambezi River Authority’s Council of Ministers says, is undergoing prefeasibility studies by Tractebel Engineering, which have delivered the inception report, environmental and social screening report, and options assessment report.

At the same time, progress continues on the Kariba Floating Solar PV Project, including the African Development Bank’s completion of consultant evaluations and the appointment of a joint-venture consortium to conduct feasibility studies. The 600 MW floating solar PV power plant on Lake Kariba will be implemented in three phases, starting with 150 MW in the second quarter of this year.

However, with millions of Zambians and Zimbabweans enduring prolonged electricity outages, the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric project offers hope to many. However, given the project’s high cost, it remains to be seen whether it will come to fruition; time will tell.

Source: $4.2BN Power Play: Zambia and Zimbabwe Partner on Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project (01/04/2026)

Read more:

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 (1st April 2026) $4.2BN Power Play: Zambia and Zimbabwe Partner on Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project.

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.

Fresh momentum for Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme

 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 Zambezi River that borders the two countries.

The project is expected to play a critical role in alleviating the energy deficit currently impacting both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“We discussed a range of topics related to our bilateral relations, starting with my introduction as the new ambassador to the Republic of Zambia,” said Ambassador Tembo.

“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, Zimbabwe’s current presidency of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Park (KAZA) was highlighted as an opportunity for collaboration in conservation efforts.

This role allows Zimbabwe to play a critical part in fostering sustainable management of natural resources and promoting biodiversity in the region.

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.

Zimbabwe, Zambia commit US$440m to Batoka Gorge project

 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.

Source: Zimbabwe, Zambia commit US$440m to Batoka Gorge project (30/12/25)

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 (27th September 2023) World Heritage Committee Dilutes Reaction to Batoka Gorge HydroElectric Scheme.

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.

Zambezi River Authority updates Batoka project feasibility studies

 Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw

THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has said it is in the process of updating environmental engineering and hydrological studies for the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Power Project (BGHPP) which should be completed next year before a new developer is engaged for the implementation of the project.

Zimbabwe and Zambia are implementing the hydro-power project in the gorges along the Zambezi River where two 1 200MW power plants on either side of the river, a sub-station, transmission as well as a new settlement and road infrastructure will be built.

BGHPP is one of the mega projects in Matabeleland North Province and its completion is expected to enhance electricity availability in the country and region. It will also present a good investment opportunity for the private sector in the value chain.

ZRA, a company jointly established by both countries to manage water projects in the Zambezi River, is working on the project whose initial cost was US$5 billion.

The proposed project is set to transform Matabeleland North and Zambian communities on the other side of the river, with facilities such as banks, shops, private offices and other ancillary infrastructure set to be constructed.

In 2018, Zimbabwe and Zambia agreed to build the hydroelectric scheme, and the project was expected to provide about a third of Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power requirements.

Located about 50km downstream from Victoria Falls City, the massive project has been touted as a flagship project in the southern African region. A consortium of Power Construction Corporation of China and US firm General Electric had won a bid to build the 2 400MW hydropower station under a build, operate and transfer funding model before disengagement this year.

Although the idea to build a dam at the Batoka Gorge was mooted in the 1990s, it has been in limbo for decades until it was revived following the advent of the Second Republic.

However, because of challenges associated with funding and other issues, the implementation took long until studies were overtaken by time.

Updating renewable energy experts at the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit 2024, ZRA director for projects and dam management services, Engineer Sithembinkosi Mhlanga said the authority is updating the feasibility studies.

The project status was topical in the discussions as energy experts said delays in its implementation were a cause for concern.

Eng Mhlanga said engineering feasibility studies were completed in 2019 while the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was done in 2022 which could have paved the way for implementation.

“The project is at a position where we are updating studies. We are at a time when this project needs to have studies updated so that they are relevant for the actual implementation.

For updates of studies, we are looking at a few activities particularly engineering feasibility, which is updating the assessment of hydrological data because 2 400MW was considered as design capacity for a certain scenario of operation,” he said.

The budget for Batoka had been put during the earlier studies at a range of between US$4 billion and US$5 billion.

“It’s expected that when we undertake these studies there will be a reviewed assessment of the cost which again will get refined by the developer in terms of development cost. So we remain with the figure of US$5 billion but to be fine-tuned through studies and developers submissions,” said Eng Mhlanga.

He said they are looking forward to finishing their studies in 2025 and then starting the process of procuring a developer.

“This process should end in 2026 in terms of pre-qualification and shortlisting leading to bidding and financial close probably in 2027,” said Eng Mhlanga.

He said, among other challenges, delays were caused by the time it took to disengage with the previous developer.

“The period of implementation will take between four and five years, but these are some of the details that will be finalised once a new developer is engaged. The project intends not to displace people but instead will generate direct employment for over 4 000 people and 6 000 in the two countries,” said Eng Mhlanga.

He said there is also a need to undertake studies on the impact of the Batoka Gorge on Victoria Falls’ outstanding universal value and sustainability, to conserve the total value of the World Heritage Site.

“We parted with the previous developer and we then got into these activities now we are entering into partnerships with specific key partners like the African Development Bank and African Legal Support Facility. We are looking at completing our studies in 2025 and then proceeding,” he said.

The coming in of Batoka City will be a big boost for the broader Matabeleland North development, which has in the recent past become an economic epicentre following the designation of Victoria Falls as a special economic zone (SEZ) and the elevation of the tourism town to a city. — @ncubeleon

Source: Zambezi River Authority updates Batoka project feasibility studies (21/11/24)

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 (27th September 2023) World Heritage Committee Dilutes Reaction to Batoka Gorge HydroElectric Scheme.

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.

UNESCO denies Zim Minister's Claim of Approval for Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme

UNESCO have denied reports in the Zimbabwe national press that it has given approval to the controversial Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES).

Zimbabwean Energy and Power Development Minister, Edgar Moyo, claimed in news reports published last week that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) gave approval to the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme at its recent 45th Session. 

“From our Zimbabwean and Zambian side, we were together saying there would be no environmental impact to the extent that the heritage status of the area around the gorge would be affected. What then emerged was that we are now in agreement with UNESCO and all other stakeholders along the Zambezi that the project has to go ahead.” (Sunday Mail, 15th October 2023)

His comments were quickly supported by the Chief Executive officer of the Zambezi River Authority, Munyaradzi Munodawafa, who stated that UNESCO had “looked at the reports and our presentations and agreed that Batoka could go ahead... Now we are good to go. We are on solid ground and by the end of next month, I will have an actual date of commencement.” (The Herald, 19th October 2023)

UNESCO, however, were quick to dismiss the reports.

"UNESCO’s response to these claims emphasized serious concerns about the Batoka Gorge project, particularly the unavoidable adverse effects it could have on the designated World Heritage Site... The committee not only recommended a re-evaluation of the environmental and social impact assessment of the planned dam but also called for a reduction in the height of the proposed dam wall. Moreover, it expressed disapproval regarding the construction of a new hotel within the site, which was carried out despite UNESCO’s request for the suspension of such activities. A revised study on the planned dam’s impact must be submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review by the International Union for Conservation of Nature before any further decisions can be made." (BNN, 19th October 2023)

The clarification from UNESCO has yet to be reported in the Zimbabwe press which originally published the claims of approval for the scheme.

The false claims of approval follow the recent 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee, where South Africa proposed amendments to the Committee's draft decision text regarding the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, effectively diluting the Committee's response to the proposed BGHES and undermining the recommendations from the recent Reactive Monitoring Mission to the site, conducted in early 2022. Both South Africa and Zambia are currently members of the Committee (although their terms expire in November this year).

Read more - World Heritage Committee Dilutes Reaction to Batoka Gorge HydroElectric Scheme (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 27th September 2023).

Read more on the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Links

Sunday Mail, Batoka power project hurdles cleared, 15th October. [External link, opens in new window.]

The Herald, UN agency clears US$5bn Batoka Gorge power project, 19th October. [External link, opens in new window.]

Bloomberg.com, UNESCO Denies Clearance for $5 Billion Zambezi Dam Project Near Victoria Falls, 19th October. [External link, opens in new window.]

UN agency clears US$5bn Batoka Gorge power project

An agency of the United Nations has cleared Zambia and Zimbabwe to build a $5 billion hydropower dam downstream from Victoria Falls, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the authority overseeing its construction said.

The 2 400 megawatt Batoka Gorge project, 47 kilometres from the world’s largest waterfall, has been opposed by environmentalists because of the potential impact it would have on the cataract, a key tourist site for both countries, that spans the Zambezi River.

Unesco “sent inspectors in 2022 after complaints by some environmentalists that the Batoka project was going to affect the Victoria Falls,” Munyaradzi Munodawafa, chief executive officer of the Zambezi River Authority, said in an interview.

They “looked at the reports and our presentations and agreed that Batoka could go ahead” at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee last month, he said.

Construction of the 181-metre (594-foot) high wall and power plants by a group led by General Electric Co, and China’s Power Construction had been expected to start in 2020 but was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and funding concerns. Both Zambia and Zimbabwe, who already share the Kariba hydropower facility further east on the Zambezi, at times have struggled to meet their power needs.

“Now we are good to go” said Munodawafa. “We are on solid ground and by end of next month, I will have an actual date of commencement.” Unesco didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

The African Development Bank is the lead arranger for the financing of Batoka, which has been designed as a run-of-river project, meaning that there will be little storage of water behind the turbines, minimising the impact on the Victoria Falls.

Munodawafa also said the US$130 million rehabilitation of a plunge pool below the wall of the Kariba dam, which holds back the world’s biggest artificial reservoir, is expected to be completed by early 2025.

Further downstream, in Mozambique, the AfDB is also advising on the US$4,5 billion, 1 500-megawatt Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project. – Bloomberg

Source:  UN agency clears US$5bn Batoka Gorge power project (18/10/23)

Batoka power project hurdles cleared

 ZIMBABWE and Zambia are proceeding with development of the 2 400-megawatt (MW) Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES), after earlier concerns the project would threaten the world heritage status of the area were resolved.

The US$4,5 billion power project is being jointly facilitated by the two countries and the electricity generated would be shared equally.

In an interview on Friday, Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and various stakeholders along the Zambezi River had raised issues that implementation of the hydro-electric power project would destroy the heritage status of the area around the gorge.

He said various feasibility studies for the BGHES, including an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), were carried out and it has since been agreed that the envisaged power project can take precedence.

The ESIA — which included a livelihood study of affected communities, a household census, a socio-economic survey and asset inventory to restore and potentially improve the livelihoods of the economically displaced — was undertaken by a South African firm.

“Feasibility studies for the project were done and the Government was happy with the proposed investment.

“However, new issues emerged, the issues had to do with the status of that area as a UNESCO heritage site so there were discussions that were there, where my predecessors were involved regarding the heritage site status that was being threatened by that project.

“But from our Zimbabwean and Zambian side, we were together saying there would be no environmental impact to the extent that the heritage status of the area around the gorge would be affected.

“What then emerged was that we are now in agreement with UNESCO and all other stakeholders along the Zambezi that the project has to go ahead,” said Minister Moyo.

He said because the BGHES was a bilateral project, competitive bidding to secure project contractors and financiers, has not been decided.

“At the moment, the competitive bidding for the Batoka project has not been decided. I think there are a number of processes that should go because remember it’s going to be a bilateral project, so a number of processes have to be undertaken until, at least, a timetable then comes through,” said Minister Moyo.

It has been reported that the African Development Bank has been identified as the adviser and lead arranger of funding for the BGHES, to be located downstream from Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, which straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The Batoka Gorge sits on the Zambezi River, which supplies water to the Kariba Hydropower Plant, which the two neighbouring countries jointly own, producing 1 050MW on the Zimbabwean side and 1 080MW for Zambia.

“That project is a very big project, which I think should solve most of our power issues.

“If that project is implemented, it’s going to see us generating a lot of power, which will serve as a complement to Kariba. It’s going to solve our power issues in the country.”

The two countries and the rest of the Southern African Development Community are presently facing power shortages that have seen some of the countries experiencing long hours without electricity.

Locally, the situation, caused by frequent breakdowns at the country’s largest thermal power station, has been compounded by low water levels in Kariba Dam, which provides the bulk of the two countries’ electricity supplies.

Successful synchronisation of the US$1,5 billion Hwange Thermal Power Station Units 7 and 8 expansion project this year has now seen the facility feed 600MW into the national grid.

As a result, Zimbabwe — whose peak demand is 2 200MW — has increased power generation to an average of 1 500MW from 700MW.

Due to low water levels in Kariba, the Zambezi River Authority, which manages water resources in the river on behalf of the two countries, has had to ration the amount of water used to generate electricity by the hydropower station.

The BGHES is projected to generate annual revenues of over US$750 million for Zimbabwe and Zambia upon completion.

The scheme will also result in the development of a township to be located on both the north bank of the dam (in Zambia) and on the south bank (in Zimbabwe).

It is hoped the mega project — which would also generate direct employment for over 4 000 people, and another 6 000 indirectly — is a flagship project in the southern African region being spearheaded by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa.

Source: Batoka power project hurdles cleared (15/10/23)

Zambia looks to cancel $5 billion Batoka Gorge HES project

- Zambia cancels a building contract for a 2,400-megawatt power station on the Zambezi River due to high costs and failure to follow proper procurement procedures. 

- Zambia’s energy minister suggests exploring a hybrid solution combining solar and hydropower, indicating a potential reduction in capacity to around 1,000 megawatts. 

- General Electric and PowerChina remain silent as Zambia seeks to re-advertise the project and address setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and financing challenges.

Zambia has disclosed that it will cancel a building contract given to General Electric Co. and Power Building Corp. of China because the project to build a 2,400-megawatt power station on the Zambezi River is too expensive.

In remarks aired late Tuesday on the state-run Zambia National Broadcasting Corp., and reported by the American news agency, Bloomberg, Zambia's energy minister, Peter Kapala, noted that proper procurement procedures weren't followed when the purchase was made. The dam's development is overseen by the state-run Zambezi River Authority, which predicted last year that the project would cost $5 billion.

“We are disengaging from that contract and we hope to re-advertise it and revisit everything that was agreed to before. Mainly, it was because of the cost, it was just too much,” said Kapala.

“The latest information is that the hydrology of Zambezi might not favor the establishment of a 2,400-megawatt hydro-plant,” the energy minister said.

“We could reach that if maybe we do a hybrid of solar and hydro itself, but the indications are that we could be looking at far much less than the 2,400, it could be maybe even 1,000 megawatts,” he added.

General Electric declined to respond right away. An email sent outside of regular business hours seeking comment did not immediately receive a response from PowerChina.

The 2,400-megawatt Batoka Gorge project was supposed to get going in 2020, however, there were a number of setbacks, including the coronavirus epidemic and problems obtaining finance.

General Electric and Power China were chosen to construct the facility jointly by Zambia and Zimbabwe. Both countries in southern Africa are experiencing an electrical shortfall as a result of poorly maintained plants and drought-related production reductions at existing hydroelectric facilities on the Zambezi River.

The secretary for energy and power development in Zimbabwe, Gloria Magombo, stated on Wednesday that she was not aware of the statements made by the minister of Zambia and that the ministry will reply later.

Source: Zambia cancels $5 billion project with China (16/06/23)

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 (27th September 2023) World Heritage Committee Dilutes Reaction to Batoka Gorge HydroElectric Scheme.

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.