Zambia and Zimbabwe Hold Joint Ministerial Meeting on Energy at Kariba
Zambia and Zimbabwe convened a high-level joint ministerial meeting on energy in Harare to discuss water usage at Kariba Dam and the broader power situation affecting both countries.
The meeting brought together Hon. Makozo Chikote, Zambia’s Minister of Energy, and Hon. July Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, alongside senior officials from ZESCO Limited, Zimbabwe Power Company, and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
During discussions, Minister Chikote requested an increase in the 2025 water allocation for the Kariba North Bank Power Station (KNBPS), after Zambia’s 14 billion cubic metres quota had been exhausted. Both ministers agreed to permit over-utilisation by ZESCO and Zimbabwe Power Company, provided established guidelines on overuse are observed.
Minister Moyo emphasised the role of the private sector in supporting alternative energy solutions to ease reliance on hydroelectric power. “Investments in fossil fuels, solar, and gas are vital to meet growing demand and strengthen energy security,” he said, praising Zambia’s Mamba Energy Project as a model for supporting industrial growth through alternative energy.
Both ministers reaffirmed the long-standing spirit of cooperation between Zambia and Zimbabwe, recognising the Zambezi River as a shared strategic asset. Discussions also highlighted joint infrastructure development and fuel transportation as key areas for continued collaboration.
The meeting concluded on a note of strengthened bilateral relations, with both countries committed to sustaining energy cooperation for mutual benefit.
