Zimbabwe and Zambia Plunge into Darkness After Widespread Power Outage

A major power outage left Zimbabwe and Zambia in complete darkness on Sunday night, with the blackout striking both nations within minutes of each other. The disruption, attributed to system disturbances, has highlighted the persistent energy struggles plaguing the two neighboring countries.

In Zambia, the electricity went out at 8:15 PM, while in Zimbabwe, the blackout occurred at 8:25 PM. Both countries’ power utilities promptly issued statements to address the crisis and provide assurances to the public.

ZESA and ZESCO Respond

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) confirmed the national blackout, apologizing for the inconvenience caused and assuring citizens that their engineers were working to resolve the issue. By Monday morning, power had been restored to most areas.

“Our National Control Center has advised that there has been a national blackout. Works are already in progress to sort the issue,” ZESA stated.

Similarly, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) acknowledged the power outage, describing it as a “power system disturbance.” Acting General Manager Justin Loongo expressed regret for the unplanned disruption, adding, “Power supply restoration is underway. We seek our customers’ support and patience as we resolve this matter.”

Underlying Challenges in Power Supply

The blackout underscores ongoing energy challenges in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. The two nations rely heavily on hydroelectric power from the Kariba Dam, whose capacity has been significantly affected by low water levels. Prolonged droughts and reduced rainfall have severely limited the dam’s ability to generate adequate electricity.

In Zimbabwe, the situation has been exacerbated by aging thermal power plants that frequently break down. Many residents endure daily power cuts lasting up to 18 hours, disrupting households and businesses alike.

Regional Energy Crisis

This recent outage comes amid broader electricity challenges in southern Africa. Both ZESA and ZESCO have faced criticism for their inability to meet growing energy demands. With limited resources and aging infrastructure, the power utilities struggle to sustain stable electricity supplies.

The blackout serves as a reminder of the urgent need for long-term energy solutions. Investments in renewable energy, such as solar and wind, as well as modernizing existing power infrastructure, are crucial to preventing similar crises in the future.

A Call for Action

As Zimbabwe and Zambia recover from this latest outage, questions about regional cooperation and energy reforms are more pressing than ever. The two nations must address their energy challenges to support economic growth and ensure reliable power for their citizens.

For now, the residents of both countries can only hope that measures will be taken to prevent such disruptions in the future.