The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has announced an increase in water allocation for power generation at Lake Kariba to 30 billion cubic metres (BCM) for the year 2026, up from 27 BCM in 2025.
The allocation will be shared equally between ZESCO Limited of Zambia and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), with each utility receiving 15 BCM.
In a statement, ZRA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Christopher Chisense said the decision was guided by positive rainfall forecasts for the 2025/2026 season.
“The Authority’s decision is informed by normal-to-above-normal rainfall projections for the forthcoming season, as indicated by the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-31) and confirmed by both the Zambian and Zimbabwean Meteorological Services,” said Mr. Chisense.
He explained that while the ZRA is responsible for determining the annual water allocation for power generation, actual electricity output depends on how the respective utilities ZESCO and ZPC manage and utilise the shared resource.
“The Authority provides the water allocation framework, but the responsibility for power generation outcomes rests with the utilities themselves,” he added.
Mr. Chisense also assured that the Authority will continue to monitor rainfall patterns, river inflows, and lake levels throughout the year to ensure the sustainable use of the shared water resource.
“We will maintain close surveillance of hydrological conditions through our 13-station hydrometric network across the Kariba catchment.
This will allow us to take any necessary measures to safeguard water resources and ensure consistent power generation throughout 2026,” he said
The increased allocation comes as welcome news to both Zambia and Zimbabwe, which have experienced intermittent power supply challenges in recent years due to fluctuating water levels at Kariba. The lake remains the main source of hydroelectric power for both countries, making rainfall and inflow trends critical to energy security.
Energy analysts say the upward adjustment in allocation signals optimism for improved generation capacity in 2026, though they caution that responsible water management will remain key amid changing climate conditions.
The ZRA, a bi-national organization jointly owned by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, manages the Zambezi River waters and oversees the operation and maintenance of the Kariba Dam, which supplies hydropower to both nations.
This is a welcome development considering that Zimbabwe relies heavily on hydro electricity to power various projects in the country.