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Zambezi River Authority
Established on 1 October 1987, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) is a bilateral organisation jointly and equally owned by the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Authority is mandated to manage shared water and hydropower resources along the Zambezi River, from Kazungula to Luangwa in Zambia and Kanyemba in Zimbabwe.
Headquartered in Lusaka, with offices in Harare and Kariba, ZRA succeeded the Central African Power Corporation with a mandate to contribute to the economic, industrial and social development of both Contracting States through coordinated water and energy resource management.
ZRA embeds sustainability across its operations through responsible reservoir management, environmental and social stewardship, and exploration of complementary renewable technologies, including floating solar photovoltaic systems on Lake Kariba.
The Authority also plays a central role in regional water security and infrastructure stewardship, working with institutions such as the Zambezi Watercourse Commission, the Water Resources Management Authority of Zambia and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority to ensure coordinated management of shared water resources.
A flagship achievement is progress on the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, a critical investment securing the long-term safety, reliability and sustainability of the dam. The programme includes plunge pool reshaping, spillway refurbishment and institutional strengthening, with plunge pool works completed in September 2024 and the first phase of spillway refurbishment finalised in December 2025.
Looking ahead, ZRA is advancing preparations for the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme, a major bilateral project expected to deliver significant regional energy and economic benefits.
