“Batoka Gorge Project Remains Critical to Zambia’s Energy Security,” Says Government
The Government of Zambia has reaffirmed its firm commitment to the development of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme, dismissing recent claims questioning the project’s viability as unfounded and unsupported by technical or hydrological evidence.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, MP, Government said assertions raised in sections of the media do not reflect established power-system planning principles or the comprehensive feasibility studies undertaken for the project.
The Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme is a 2,400-megawatt hydropower project estimated to cost about US$6 billion. It is located on the Zambezi River and is being jointly developed by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe through the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), in line with existing bilateral agreements on shared water resources.
Mr Chikote disclosed that at the Council of Ministers meeting held on 29 December 2025, Zambia and Zimbabwe resolved to each contribute US$220 million as equity towards the project. This decision, according to the Ministry, demonstrates strong sovereign commitment, ownership and confidence, and marks a significant milestone in advancing the project.
The project is being implemented under a restructured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a strong emphasis on equity participation to enhance bankability and reduce reliance on debt. The procurement process is being conducted through a transparent and competitive bidding framework.
The Minister further explained that hydropower development along the Zambezi River follows a sequential system, in which the same water resource is efficiently utilised to generate electricity at multiple sites, including Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge, Kariba North Bank and the proposed Gonye Falls. This approach aligns with international best practice and maximises energy output from available water resources.
Extensive feasibility studies, conducted with full consideration of climate change impacts, have confirmed that the Zambezi River system can sustainably support up to 2,400 megawatts at Batoka Gorge. The project will also enhance water banking at Kariba Dam by allowing increased storage during periods of high river flow, thereby improving reservoir levels and strengthening Zambia’s ability to maintain stable power generation during droughts, Mr Chikote stated.
Government noted that proposals to shift large-scale hydropower development to northern Zambia overlook key physical and economic constraints. While some rivers in the region have reliable flows, the generally flat terrain limits their suitability for large-scale hydropower projects. In addition, limited transmission infrastructure would require significant investment in long-distance power evacuation, he noted.
Addressing concerns around water availability and climate variability, Government said the Batoka Gorge project was deliberately designed to ensure efficient water use through integrated operation with Kariba Dam. The project remains technically sound, environmentally compliant, economically justified and critical to Zambia’s long-term energy security.
Mr Chikote emphasised that the New Dawn Government remains committed to an inclusive development agenda that benefits all regions of the country and will continue to pursue a diversified and resilient energy mix guided by research, data and national development priorities.
