Zambia and Mozambique have agreed to develop a 1,500-megawatt power generation project that will significantly boost electricity supply across southern Africa and help stabilise energy security in both countries. The agreement, signed in Maputo this week, marks a new chapter in regional energy co-operation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) power-integration programme.
Energy Minister Peter Kapala, who represented Zambia at the signing ceremony, said the project is part of a broader plan to diversify Zambia’s generation mix and reduce reliance on hydropower sources that have been affected by climate change. He explained that the 1,500 MW facility will be jointly constructed and operated along the Mozambique–Zambia power corridor and will incorporate hydro, thermal, and solar components to ensure sustainable output.
“This agreement is historic because it gives our two countries the opportunity to share capacity, technology and investment benefits,” Kapala said. “Once completed, it will not only cover our domestic demand but also provide excess power for export to neighbouring states through the Southern African Power Pool.”
The project will be implemented in phases over five years, with funding drawn from a blend of government contributions, development finance institutions and private sector investors. Pre-feasibility studies have already identified sites suitable for generation and transmission linkages to existing infrastructure on both sides of the border. Technical teams from ZESCO and Mozambique’s Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) have been tasked to finalise engineering designs and costing details by mid-2026.
ZESCO Managing Director Victor Mapani said the joint initiative represents a strategic shift from short-term energy imports toward shared generation projects that enhance long-term stability. He stressed that Zambia has faced power deficits during periods of low water levels at Kariba and Kafue Gorge, and that regional interconnectivity offers a reliable solution.
Under the agreement, the two countries will also construct a new high-voltage transmission line linking western Mozambique to eastern Zambia, allowing for two-way power flows. This infrastructure will support Zambia’s industrial zones in Central and Copperbelt provinces and enhance electricity access in Mozambique’s northern districts. Engineers expect the project to generate over 1,000 direct jobs during construction and hundreds of technical and maintenance positions once operational.
Mozambique’s Energy Minister Carlos Zacarias said the initiative illustrates African solidarity in addressing energy shortages through shared resources. “This partnership strengthens our friendship and ensures that electricity will fuel industrial growth on both sides of the border,” he said. He also confirmed that Mozambique has earmarked land for the power station and pledged policy support to fast-track implementation.
The deal could position Zambia as a net exporter of power within three years and help Mozambique monetise its vast energy resources. The project aligns with Zambia’s Energy Transition Strategy, which seeks to increase renewable capacity by 40 percent by 2030.
Once complete, the 1,500 MW plant is expected to feed into the Southern African Power Pool, benefiting countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania through enhanced regional power trade. Officials say the agreement has received endorsement from the African Development Bank and other international partners who view it as a model for cross-border energy integration.
“This project is not just about electricity but about economic growth and regional integration,” Kapala said after the signing. “With 1,500 megawatts on the grid, Zambia and Mozambique will move closer to energy independence and help stabilise power supply for the entire region.”
Picture and caption – Peter Kapala