Zimbabwe has agreed to allow Zambia’s state-owned power utility, ZESCO Limited, to draw additional water from the Kariba Dam to keep its power generation operations running after the company exhausted its 2025 allocation. The move highlights the strong energy cooperation between the two neighboring nations and underscores their shared commitment to sustainable management of the Kariba reservoir — one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes and a crucial source of hydroelectric power for both countries.
The decision came after Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, formally requested an increase to ZESCO’s annual quota of 14 billion cubic metres for the Kariba North Bank Power Station. The utility had already used up its initial allocation due to high electricity demand and reduced inflows caused by erratic rainfall patterns.
Following consultations, Zimbabwe’s Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, approved Zambia’s request during a joint ministerial meeting on energy cooperation held in Harare on 20 October 2025. The talks were attended by senior officials from both governments, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), and representatives from their respective national power utilities.
According to a statement released by Grace Likando, the Third Secretary for Communications at the Zambian Embassy in Harare, the central focus of the meeting was the effective management of water resources at the Kariba Dam, which is jointly administered by the Zambezi River Authority on behalf of the two governments.
Minister Chikote expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe for its understanding and support, saying Zambia remained committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation and ensuring responsible management of shared natural resources.
“Zambia remains committed to our partnership with Zimbabwe in sustainably managing the Kariba Dam and ensuring power stability for both nations,” said Chikote. “We greatly appreciate Zimbabwe’s support at a time when regional energy demand continues to rise.”
Minister Moyo, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of diversifying southern Africa’s energy mix to reduce overreliance on hydropower. He called on both countries to accelerate investment in alternative energy sources such as solar, gas, and fossil fuels, which could help safeguard the dam’s long-term sustainability.
“It is time for us to diversify and complement hydropower generation with other energy sources to ensure energy security and stability in the region,” Moyo said. “The Kariba Dam remains vital, but we must also think beyond it to protect our environment and future generations.”
Zimbabwe Approves Extra Water Allocation for Zambia’s ZESCO to Sustain Power Generation at Kariba Dam
Moyo commended Zambia’s progress in developing new energy infrastructure, particularly the Mamba Energy Project, which he described as a model of regional innovation and cooperation. He said Zimbabwe would continue exploring cross-border power partnerships and private-sector investment to expand generation capacity and reduce dependence on the dam.
The two ministers also reiterated the strategic importance of protecting the Zambezi River ecosystem, noting that environmental degradation and climate change continue to threaten water availability and hydroelectric power production. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working through the Zambezi River Authority to implement sustainable water-use policies and climate-resilient strategies.
Zambezi River Authority Chief Executive Engineer Munyaradzi Munodawafa and ZESCO Managing Director Engineer Justin Loongo were among the key officials present at the meeting. The technical teams from both countries provided updates on current dam levels, projected inflows, and power generation forecasts for the remainder of 2025.
The ZRA’s hydrological data shows that while the lake’s water levels remain within operational limits, inflows have been lower than average due to persistent drought conditions across the Zambezi Basin. As a result, both Zimbabwe and Zambia have had to carefully coordinate water releases to sustain electricity supply without compromising the dam’s structural integrity.
Energy analysts say the new water-sharing arrangement demonstrates the spirit of cooperation between Harare and Lusaka, especially in times of limited resources. Regional energy expert Dr. Nomusa Dube noted that the agreement was a pragmatic step to prevent widespread power shortages in Zambia while maintaining a balance in resource use.
“This is a practical decision that highlights how collaboration can help both countries manage the challenges of climate variability,” Dr. Dube said. “If handled carefully, it will ensure stability for millions who rely on Kariba for power.”
The Kariba Dam, constructed in the late 1950s along the Zambezi River, supplies electricity to both Zimbabwe and Zambia through the Kariba South and Kariba North Bank power stations. However, in recent years, declining water levels caused by drought have forced repeated reductions in power generation, leading to rolling blackouts in both countries.
The latest agreement, while temporary, serves as a reminder of the urgent need for regional energy diversification and climate adaptation. Both governments have pledged to continue engaging in joint planning and monitoring of water use at Kariba, ensuring that decisions are guided by data and environmental considerations.
As the southern African region braces for another season of unpredictable rainfall, the partnership between Zimbabwe and Zambia stands as a vital example of how shared resources can be managed through mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
Source- Byo24
