Can the Zambezi Power Southern Africa's Next Growth Story?

Africa's energy security may depend as much on cooperation as it does on new generation.Hosted by Energy News Network (ENN) in partnership with The Electricity Hub, Let's Talk Energy continues its series recorded live at the Africa Energy Forum 2026 in Cape Town with Eng. Sithembinkosi Zwelibanzi Mhlanga, Director - Projects & Dam Management Services at the Zambezi River Authority.With Zambia and Zimbabwe sharing one of Southern Africa's most strategic energy assets, the conversation explores how the Zambezi River Authority is responding to climate variability while balancing water management, hydropower generation and long-term energy security.At the centre is the proposed 2,400MW Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme, a project with ambitions beyond Zambia and Zimbabwe. From blended finance and bankability to regional power trading and interconnected infrastructure, the episode asks whether shared resources could become a catalyst for a more integrated and resilient Southern African power market.