Zambia-Zimbabwe Ministers Meet to Address Energy Challenges

The 42nd Council of Ministers (COM) Ordinary Meeting is underway in Livingstone, Zambia, bringing together high-level officials from Zambia and Zimbabwe to tackle pressing energy challenges.

Hon. Edgar Moyo, MP, Minister of Energy and Power Development of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Zambezi River Authority Council of Ministers, delivers a keynote address highlighting the progress, challenges, and strategic developments of the Authority’s operations and related projects.

Hon. Moyo emphasizes the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the El Niño-induced drought, which caused a 61% decline in gross inflows into the Kariba Reservoir compared to the long-term average.

Despite these challenges, the Authority makes notable progress in key projects, including the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, which is 82% complete. The project aims to enhance dam safety and security.

The Authority also advances the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, with preparatory work nearing completion. A Market Sounding exercise scheduled for next year will gather insights from financiers and private sector stakeholders to assess the project’s commercial viability.

Additionally, the Authority considers constructing a Floating Solar Photovoltaic Plant on Lake Kariba, with the African Development Bank committing $1 million for feasibility studies.

By Natalie Muzore