Zambia Reaffirms Commitment to Batoka Gorge Power Project, Dismisses Viability Concerns

The Zambian government has forcefully rejected recent doubts over the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES), reiterating its stance that the project is essential for the nation’s future energy security.

The statement from the Ministry of Energy comes in response to concerns raised by opposition figure Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba regarding the project’s feasibility. The government labeled these assertions as lacking technical, hydrological, or power-system planning evidence.

A major milestone was announced: following a Council of Ministers meeting on December 29, 2025, Zambia and Zimbabwe each agreed to contribute US$220 million in equity toward the estimated US$5 billion project. This funding is part of a restructured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to enhance the project’s bankability and lessen dependence on debt.

The 2,400-megawatt project, a joint venture with Zimbabwe via the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), is described as part of an integrated system on the Zambezi River. Officials stated this sequential development—including existing stations like Kariba and future projects like Gonye Falls—represents international best practice for maximizing energy from shared water resources.

Addressing climate-related worries, the Ministry asserted that comprehensive studies confirm the Zambezi River can sustainably support the Batoka scheme. It added that the project would improve water management at the crucial Kariba Dam, bolstering drought resilience for regional power generation.

The government also dismissed calls to relocate large-scale hydropower development to northern Zambia, citing unsuitable terrain and prohibitive costs for new transmission infrastructure. It noted that northern rivers are more appropriate for smaller, run-of-river schemes.

The Ministry affirmed that the Batoka Gorge project remains technically, environmentally, and economically sound, pledging to continue pursuing a diversified energy strategy based on data and national development goals.