Zimbabwe and Zambia have pledged a combined US$440 million to fast-track the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES) following a Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers meeting on Monday in Victoria Falls.
The Council of Ministers, chaired for 2026 by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, confirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the US$4.2 billion project.
Each government will contribute US$220 million in equity to kickstart construction, with timelines set to be reviewed for faster implementation under guidance from both Heads of State.
Minister Moyo confirmed the decision in a post-meeting communiqué. He said:
“COM reaffirmed the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership model and approved a US$220 million equity contribution by each Government, including exploration of equity partnerships to enhance bankability.
“This allocation will be for the BGHES dam construction for the budget cycle beginning in 2026, over flexible timelines.”
The Council of Ministers noted progress on the Batoka Gorge project, including updated feasibility studies and strengthened financial and technical support.
A Resource Mobilisation Committee, chaired by the finance ministers of both countries, has been set up to secure additional funding for the project’s public infrastructure component.
The council also reviewed other ZRA projects, including the 600MW Kariba Floating Solar PV plant, with the first 150MW phase due for commissioning in mid-2026, and updates on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project.
Community development initiatives under the Zambezi Valley Development Fund were also assessed, including the completed Nyangwizhu Clinic in Hurungwe and Chidyamugwamu health post in Kariba, which the council directed to be officially commissioned with local leadership.
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