EGYPT is considering investing in the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme, a joint venture between Zimbabwe and Zambia, as the two countries push ahead with the long-delayed project seen as a long-term solution to regional power shortages.
The interest emerged during a meeting between Egypt’s ambassador to Zambia, Mayada Essam Abdel Rahman and Zambia’s Energy minister Makozo Chikote.
Rahman cited Egypt’s track record in delivering large-scale hydropower projects, including the 2 115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Tanzania.
“Egypt’s Arab Contractors Osman A Osman and Co and Elsewedy Electric formed a joint venture to construct the 2 115MW Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Tanzania under an engineering, procurement and construction contract valued at approximately US$2,9 billion,” she said.
“We believe the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme aligns with Egypt's strategic interests in promoting regional energy co-operation and sustainable development in Africa.”
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Chikote welcomed the Egyptian interest, describing Batoka as a unique opportunity for strategic partnership and mutual benefit.
“We invite Egyptian companies to participate in this landmark project and contribute to the energy security and economic growth of our region,” he said.
“This project is crucial for southern Africa's energy future and we are committed to creating a conducive environment for investors to ensure its success.”
The Batoka project is designed as a 2 400MW run-of-river scheme that will harness existing flows on the Zambezi River rather than rely on large storage reservoirs, a model expected to reduce environmental and
social impacts.
It will be located about 47km downstream of Victoria Falls, a Unesco World Heritage Site, with planners insisting there will be no negative impact on the site.
Feasibility, hydrological and climate studies — backed by over a century of river flow data from the Zambezi River Authority — indicate the basin can sustainably support Batoka as part of an integrated cascade system.
The system includes the Kariba Dam and other planned projects such as Devils Gorge and Mupata Gorge. Coordinated basin-wide operations are expected to ease pressure on Kariba, improve flexibility during dry spells and maximise power generation.
Beyond generation, Batoka is positioned as a strategic asset within the Southern African Power Pool, strengthening regional energy security through diversified supply and cross-border coordination.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the project, including policy backing and direct equity participation aimed at improving bankability and attracting
international investment.