ZRA allocates 30bn cubic metres of water for 2026 power generation

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has allocated 30 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water from Lake Kariba for power generation in 2026, to be shared equally between Zesco Limited of Zambia and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC). Each utility will receive 15 BCM for electricity generation.

In a statement, ZRA acting chief executive officer Christopher Chisense said the allocation was informed by normal to above-normal rainfall forecasts for the 2025/2026 rainy season, as projected by the Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-31) and refined by the Meteorological Agencies of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Chisense emphasised that while the Authority manages the shared water resource, it does not generate or distribute electricity.

"Actual power generation outcomes will be communicated by the respective utilities-Zesco Limited in Zambia and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) in Zimbabwe," he said.

He added that the Authority will continue closely monitoring rainfall patterns, inflows, and lake levels through its hydrometric network, which comprises 13 monitoring stations across the Kariba catchment area.

The water allocation marks a continuation of coordinated management efforts between Zimbabwe and Zambia to ensure sustainable power generation from Kariba Dam, which remains a critical energy source for both countries.