- Mphanda Nkuwa dam to begin generating power in 2030
- Project to gulp $4 billion
- Zimbabwe in negotiations with China Export-Import Bank for funding
The Zimbabwean government is set to construct the Mphanda Nkuwa dam. According to government officials, the dam, which is located on the Zambezi river, will generate about 1,600MW of electricity.
While speaking to reporters, the Deputy Justice Minister, Filimao Suaze, stated that “It is expected that 2030 will see the effective take-off of this project”. The building will cost about t$4 billion, and the construction deadline is set at six years. Electricity generated at the Mphanda Nkuwa dam will be sent southwards on a 1,600km transmission line from Tete to Maputo.
Zimbabwe is, however, faced with the challenge of finding a buyer for electricity generated at the dam upon its completion. While Zimbabwe hopes South Africa’s Eskom would purchase hydropower from the dam, there has been no commitment from Eskom to purchase hydropower from Mozambique.