Harare, (New Ziana) — After years of setbacks and stalled progress, the long-delayed Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme has taken a major step forward, with Zambia and Zimbabwe jointly appointing US-based Synergy Consulting as the project’s lead financial adviser.
The move signals a renewed push to get the multi-billion-dollar mega power project off the ground.
Posting on its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Government said Synergy Consulting, headquartered in Virginia, and known for its work with global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will guide the financial structuring of the project, valued between US$4.5 billion and US$5 billion.
Once complete, Government said the hydro-power station planned to generate 2 400MW to be shared equally between the two countries, andbecome one of the region’s largest energy installations.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the bi-national body overseeing the development, confirmed that the project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Despite private sector involvement, both governments will retain majority control to ensure strategic oversight of the critical asset.
Under its mandate, Synergy Consulting will prepare key documentation, including drafting Requests for Proposals (RFPs), shortlisting qualified developers or consortiums, and steering the overall tender process, said the Government, adding that the tender is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026, marking one of the clearest timelines for progress since the project was conceptualised.
The Batoka project has had a turbulent journey. In 2019, a contract awarded to a consortium led by General Electric (US) and Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) was terminated by Zambia in 2023 amid concerns over escalating costs and procurement irregularities. Earlier delays in 2020 were also attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in mobilising initial investment.
Situated 54 kilometres downstream of Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge dam is expected to play a transformative role in regional power supply. Its 2 400MW output is projected to significantly ease chronic electricity shortages in both countries.
The new project is also anticipated to support better water regulation along the Zambezi and help mitigate some of the hydrological pressures currently threatening Kariba’s operations.
With a financial adviser now in place and a clear tender timeline set, officials say the Batoka Gorge project is finally moving from promise to tangible progress—bringing fresh hope for strengthened energy security across Southern Africa.
New Ziana
