The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has said the level of Kariba Lake has continued to rise slightly, following ongoing rainfall in and around the lake and its immediate catchment area.
In an update on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, ZRA noted that the increase represents overall stability rather than a significant recovery, as the 2025/2026 rainy season gradually progresses.
According to ZRA, on 27 January 2026, the lake level stood at 477.04 metres, with a Usable Live Storage Volume of 6.88 billion cubic metres (BCM) and 10.63% of the Usable Live Storage available for power generation.
By comparison, on the same date in 2025, the lake level was 476.37 metres, the Usable Live Storage Volume was 3.91 BCM, and the storage available for power generation was 6.04%.
For perspective, ZRA said that on 27 January 2019, a year considered to be a good year for the lake, the level was 481.87 metres, the Usable Live Storage Volume was 29.76 BCM, and 45.93% of the storage was available for power generation.
ZRA added that Kariba Lake is designed to operate between 475.50 metres and 488.50 metres (with a 0.70-metre freeboard) to support hydropower generation.
Related:
Kariba Lake Levels Show Slight Improvement Following Rainfall
ZRA Allocates 30 Billion Cubic Metres Of Water For 2026 Electricity Generation