Mphanda Nkuwa Dam

Mphanda Nkuwa Dam is a proposed hydroelectric dam on the Zambezi River in Mozambique. The dam would be located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) downstream of the existing Cahora Bassa Dam near the city of Tete. Its power station would have a capacity of 1,500 megawatts.[1]

Mphanda Nkuwa Dam
Location of Mphanda Nkuwa Dam in Mozambique
Country	Mozambique
Coordinates	15°59′59″S 33°26′05″E
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Concrete gravity
Impounds	Zambezi River
Height	103 m (338 ft)
Reservoir
Surface area	97 km2 (37 sq mi)
Maximum length	60 km (37 mi)
Installed capacity	1,500 MW

The dam would be 103 metres (338 ft) high[2] and flood approximately 97 square kilometres (24,000 acres) of the Zambezi valley.[1] The estimated cost of the project is US$4.2 billion.[3] Once the dam is completed, it is expected that most of the generated power will be sold to South Africa, because of the lack of transmission infrastructure in Mozambique.[1]

The proposed dam is highly controversial because it would force the relocation of 1,400 families, and affect the livelihoods of a further 200,000 people downriver. Because the dam would be operated on a peaking basis, large daily fluctuations in river flow would ruin existing irrigation systems and affect aquaculture in the river's extensive delta.[2] The United Nations has described this project as the "least environmentally acceptable major dam project in Africa."[4]

In 2015, the Mozambique government announced it would start construction of the dam. The construction was contracted to Camargo Corrêa of Brazil, INSITEC of Mozambique, and Electricidade de Moçambique.[3] In 2020, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi wished construction of the dam started before 2024.[5]

In 2022, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a subsidiary of the World Bank Group, signed agreements with the Mozambican government, indicating willingness to participate in the development of this renewable energy project.[6]