Zambia and Zimbabwe Commit to $4.2 Billion Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project

By The BalanceHub Team/ BalanceHub 

A Strategic Investment in Regional Energy Security and Economic Growth

Zambia and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to jointly develop the Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project, a $4.2 billion regional energy initiative expected to significantly transform power generation and economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The project, which will be developed through the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), involves the construction of a 2,400-megawatt hydropower plant on the Zambezi River, downstream of Victoria Falls. Once completed, Batoka Gorge will become one of the largest hydropower facilities in Southern Africa, supplying electricity equally to Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Renewed Momentum After Years of Delay

According to government official Jito, who works closely with President Hakainde Hichilema, the project has regained momentum after facing prolonged delays caused by funding constraints and the global COVID-19 pandemic. These setbacks slowed progress on financing and preparatory works, despite the project having been planned for decades.

Each country has now committed $220 million toward the project, signaling renewed political will and seriousness at the highest levels of government. To support implementation, a joint committee has been established to coordinate funding mobilisation, infrastructure planning, and engagement with potential equity partners.

Importantly, engineering, environmental, and feasibility studies have officially commenced. The Zambezi River Authority has already appointed technical, legal, and financial consultants to guide the project through its complex development stages, ensuring compliance with international standards and environmental safeguards.

Powering Energy Security in a Changing Climate

The Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project comes at a critical time for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Climate change–induced droughts have severely affected water levels at existing hydropower stations such as Kariba, exposing the region’s vulnerability to overreliance on a single energy source.

Batoka Gorge is designed to complement existing hydropower infrastructure while working alongside expanding solar and thermal energy projects in both countries. By diversifying the energy mix and increasing generation capacity, the project is expected to stabilize electricity supply, reduce load shedding, and support industrial growth.

For Zambia, reliable power is central to mining expansion, manufacturing, agriculture, and job creation. For Zimbabwe, increased generation capacity is equally vital to reviving industry and supporting economic recovery.

Economic Growth, Jobs, and Regional Integration

Beyond electricity generation, the Batoka Gorge project is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic benefits. During construction, thousands of jobs will be created, while long-term operations will support skills development, technology transfer, and local enterprise participation.

The project also reinforces regional integration under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), demonstrating how shared natural resources can be harnessed cooperatively for mutual benefit. As a jointly owned asset, Batoka Gorge strengthens diplomatic ties and economic interdependence between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A Strategic Project for the Future

Government officials have emphasized that Batoka Gorge is not just an energy project, but a strategic investment in long-term development, resilience, and regional stability. With preparatory work now underway and financing structures taking shape, the project is moving closer to reality after years of anticipation.

If successfully executed, Batoka Gorge will stand as a symbol of regional cooperation, sustainable infrastructure development, and forward-looking leadership—positioning Zambia and Zimbabwe to meet future energy demands while supporting economic transformation.

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