Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project Reaches Critical Milestone

The Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the plunge pool reshaping—a critical component of this €113 million EU-funded initiative under the Global Gateway. This project, co-financed by the EU, the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), is essential for boosting clean energy supply in both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The EU is proud to announce the successful completion of the plunge pool reshaping at the Kariba Dam, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP). This essential project, co-financed by the European Union, World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and long-term stability of the dam.

The Kariba Dam, which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a vital source of clean energy for both nations, generating over 10,000 GWh of renewable electricity annually. The plunge pool reshaping, funded by the EU under the Global Gateway initiative, is a key component in minimizing the risk of dam failure, thereby safeguarding the energy supply and protecting millions of lives in the region.

Ambassadors and representatives from the EU Delegations in Zimbabwe and Zambia, along with officials from EU Member States, including the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Portugal, joined the celebration of this major achievement. Their presence underscores the strong cooperation between the EU, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in supporting regional infrastructure and development.

As we near the completion of the KDRP, the EU remains committed to working with our partners to ensure the continued safety and functionality of the Kariba Dam, which is central to the economic development and energy security of Southern Africa.

Stay tuned as we prepare for the final steps of the project, including the removal of the stoplogs and the refilling of the plunge pool, which will solidify the dam’s stability for generations to come.