# Zimbabwe-Zambia energy infrastructure development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zimbabwe-zambia-energy-infrastructure-development
> Updated: 2026-10-19T17:14:31.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Zimbabwe and Zambia are pursuing various energy infrastructure and renewable projects to address regional power needs and water shortages. In Zimbabwe, a $650 million, 600 MW solar project near Lake Kariba is advancing to mitigate energy challenges caused by a projected 36% reduction in water allocations for hydropower generation in 2027. The developer, GreenGrid Energy, has prioritized land-based solar installations over floating setups to complement the Kariba South hydropower station. While the project has secured a power purchase agreement with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), it awaits final financing and a confirmed construction schedule.

Regional cooperation is being addressed through the third Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit, scheduled for November 3–5, 2026, in Livingstone, Zambia. Organized by EnergyNet, the summit will focus on investment, project delivery, and energy connectivity, including transmission infrastructure and interconnectors.

Recent regional developments include private power generation expansions in Zimbabwe, where ZESA Holdings reports 635MW is under construction and another 730MW is nearing financial close. In Zambia, Copperbelt Energy Corporation is financing the second phase of the Itimpi project via a green bond, and First Quantum Minerals is partnering with independent power producers. Other regional projects under discussion include the Lumwana Super Pit, Kansanshi S3 expansion, Chisamba Solar, and Kariba Floating Solar.

## Claims

- EnergyNet is the organizer of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The third edition of the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit will take place in Livingstone from November 3 to 5, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- ZESA Holdings reports that 635MW of private power generation is currently under construction in Zimbabwe. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- An additional 730MW of private generation in Zimbabwe is progressing toward financial close. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Copperbelt Energy Corporation used a green bond programme on local capital markets to finance the second phase of the Itimpi project. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- First Quantum Minerals is collaborating with independent power producers to supply electricity to its mining operations in Zambia. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit returns to Livingstone

The third Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit will be held in Livingstone in November 2026, focusing on energy investment, private power generation, and regional infrastructure connectivity.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zimbabwe-zambia-energy-projects-summit-returns-to-livingstone

### 2026-10-18: Zimbabwe prepares for El Niño drought and energy shortages

Zimbabwe is preparing for El Niño-driven drought risks to 2.2 million cattle and addressing energy security as hydropower water allocations are projected to fall by 36% in 2027.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zimbabwe-advances-650m-kariba-solar-project-amid-water-shortages

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Cite as: Zimbabwe-Zambia energy infrastructure development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zimbabwe-zambia-energy-infrastructure-development