By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has announced an increase in the volume of water allocated for electricity generation at the Kariba Dam for the 2026 operational year — a development expected to bolster power supply for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Eng. Christopher Chisense said the Authority had set aside 30 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water for next year, an increase of 2 BCM from the current allocation.
The water will be shared equally between Zambia’s ZESCO Limited and Zimbabwe’s Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), with each receiving 15 BCM.
Eng. Chisense said the upward revision follows favourable rainfall projections for the 2025/2026 season, as indicated by the Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-31). The forecast has also been supported by meteorological agencies in both countries.
“The Authority based its decision on the positive rainfall outlook and improving hydrological conditions within the Kariba catchment,” said Eng. Chisense.
“This adjustment is a strategic measure to sustain energy generation while maintaining prudent management of the shared water resource.”
He noted that while the 2024/2025 rainfall season delivered normal precipitation across much of the Zambezi River Basin, lake levels at Kariba remained lower than historical averages. Nevertheless, the usable live storage has shown a marked recovery compared to the drought-hit period of the previous year.
Eng. Chisense emphasised that the ZRA’s role is limited to allocating water for power generation, with electricity production and distribution falling under the purview of ZESCO and ZPC. He urged members of the public to refer to the utilities for updates on load management and supply status.
The Authority will continue to monitor rainfall, river inflows and lake levels through its hydrometric network comprising 13 monitoring stations across the Kariba catchment. Regular updates will be shared with stakeholders and the public as the 2025/2026 rainfall season progresses.
“ZRA remains committed to transparency and collaboration between Zambia and Zimbabwe in the sustainable management of the Zambezi River Basin,” he said.
Jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Zambezi River Authority is responsible for the operation, maintenance and regulation of the Kariba Dam and related infrastructure.
It also oversees the collection and analysis of hydrological and environmental data, essential for regional planning and socio-economic development.
With the improved hydrological outlook and proactive management measures, the ZRA’s announcement signals a positive trajectory for regional energy security and resource management in the year ahead.
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