By 
Zambia and Zimbabwe have agreed to allow their respective power utilities, ZESCO Limited and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), to temporarily over-utilize water for electricity generation at the Kariba Dam, a move aimed at stabilizing power supply while adhering to strict operational and environmental guidelines.
The decision followed a high-level bilateral meeting held in Harare between Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, July Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development.
The discussions centered on water usage at Kariba Dam, power transfers through Zimbabwe, and water allocation by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
In a statement, Chikote presented Zambia’s formal request to increase the 2025 water allocation for the Kariba North Bank Power Station after ZESCO exhausted its 14 billion cubic metres of water quota for the year.
Reaffirming the long-standing cooperation between the two nations, Chikote commended Zimbabwe’s readiness to engage in dialogue on shared energy challenges.
“This meeting reflects the strong spirit of partnership that has historically existed between Zambia and Zimbabwe,” he said, expressing appreciation to his counterpart for convening the discussions.
Following deliberations, the ministers jointly resolved that ZESCO and ZPC be permitted to over-utilize water resources “as per request, while observing the laid-down guidelines on over-utilization.”
Moyo emphasized the need for both governments to diversify their energy portfolios to ease the strain on hydropower. He urged the private sector to play a leading role in developing alternative energy sources such as solar, gas, and fossil fuels.
“The private sector must support our governments by investing in renewable and alternative energy solutions to complement hydro generation,” Moyo said.
He also commended Zambia for its progress in the energy sector, citing the Mamba Energy Project as a model investment supporting the mining industry.
Highlighting the strategic importance of shared resources, Moyo noted that the Zambezi River remained a vital asset for both nations. He underscored the need for sustainable management and continued collaboration in energy, fuel transport, and infrastructure development.
Chikote was accompanied by Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity Eng. Arnold Simwaba, ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo, and senior officials from the Ministry, ZESCO, and Cabinet Office.
Moyo’s delegation included his Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, senior officials from ZPC and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, and representatives from the Zambezi River Authority led by Chief Executive Officer, Munyaradzi Munodawafa.
The agreement marked a renewed commitment by both countries to manage the Kariba Dam sustainably while ensuring stable power supply and fostering continued regional cooperation in the energy sector.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments