The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has announced the allocation of 30 billion cubic metres of water for power generation at Lake Kariba for the year 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Authority, the allocation will be equally shared between ZESCO Limited and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), with each utility receiving 15 billion cubic metres.
The Authority stated that the decision follows a forecast of normal to above-normal rainfall for the 2025/2026 rainy season, as projected by the Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum and confirmed by meteorological agencies in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The 2026 allocation represents a two billion cubic metre increase from the previous year’s allocation of 28 billion cubic metres.
ZRA Acting Chief Executive Engineer Christopher Chisense noted that while the Authority allocates water for power generation, it does not generate electricity or manage load distribution. He said actual power generation outcomes will be communicated by ZESCO and ZPC, respectively.
During the 2024/2025 rainfall season, the Authority observed normal rainfall across the Kariba Catchment and the Zambezi River Basin. However, lake levels remained below historical averages despite higher usable live storage compared to 2024, a year affected by severe drought.
Engineer Chisense added that the Authority will continue to closely monitor rainfall, inflows, and lake levels through its hydrometric network, which includes 13 monitoring stations within the Kariba Catchment. Regular updates will be provided to stakeholders and the public as the 2025/2026 rainy season progresses.
By Rachel Mumba
