Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane says developing the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Power Project is key to Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as the Southern Africa region in the improvement of as electricity generation.

Speaking in South Africa yesterday during the meeting on the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), Dr. Musokotwane said Zambia’s target of ramping its copper production from current 800,000 metric tonnes to 3 million metric tonnes over the next ten 10 years will require enhanced electricity supply.

He said the Batoka Gorge is one of the critical project that if actualised, can boost power generation.

And, Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), Council of Ministers Chairperson for 2023, Peter Kapala says Zambia and Zimbabwe remain committed to drawing equal social and economic benefits from the development of the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric project.

Mr Kapala who is also Zambia’s Minister of Energy is hopeful that the Batoka project will be commissioned by 2031 or much earlier as per Integrated Resource planning (IRL).

This is according to a statement made available to Diamond News by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa Tamara Nyirenda.