A turning point has been reached in the Zambezi River Authority’s effort to rehabilitate one of Southern Africa’s most vital energy assets. The achievement was confirmed during the 22nd Joint Mission on 15 September 2026, which brought together senior officials from Zambia, Zimbabwe, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Swedish Government to assess progress and chart the path to project closure.
The completion comes as Phase II spillway works advance to 81 per cent, with partners targeting completion by the end of 2026. Another key milestone was reached on 27 August 2026 with the commissioning of a new Gantry Crane, a heavy lifting system critical for maintaining the spillway structure. The commissioning followed a 13-month delay from its original July 2025 target date.
Strategic Significance
Eng. Arnold Simwaba, Permanent Secretary (Electricity) at the Ministry of Energy in Zambia, and Eng. Sithembinkosi Mhlanga, Acting Chief Executive of the Zambezi River Authority, highlighted the project’s importance beyond engineering. Kariba Dam underpins energy security for both nations, supplies power to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), and serves as a symbol of binational cooperation. Its rehabilitation also represents an investment in climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and regional economic integration.
The two officials stressed that success extends beyond completing construction. The Zambezi River Authority must be prepared to operate, maintain and monitor the asset for decades to come, ensuring that its benefits reach future generations.
Advancing the Completion Agenda
Spillway Phase II is progressing at 81 per cent completion, with the Zambezi River Authority targeting completion by the end of 2026. The commissioning of the Gantry Crane in August has strengthened the team’s capacity to execute the remaining works efficiently.
The Early Warning System, a critical component of the project’s dam safety framework, is currently in procurement, with installation expected to commence later in 2026. The system will enhance hydrological monitoring and emergency response capabilities across the region.
Institutional Gains
Beyond physical infrastructure, the project has strengthened technical capacity within the Authority and expanded opportunities for women in engineering roles. Lessons learned in binational coordination, environmental management and stakeholder engagement are expected to inform future regional infrastructure initiatives.
Next Phase
The 22nd Joint Mission marked a significant milestone in the transition from project implementation to completion and operational readiness. The Zambezi River Authority and its partners remain focused on delivering the remaining works on schedule while strengthening the institutional capacity required for long-term asset management.
The goal is to ensure that the rehabilitated Kariba Dam continues to support energy security and regional integration for decades to come. Completion of Spillway Phase II is targeted for the end of 2026.