Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

Installation of Floating Buoys on Lake Kariba by Zambia and Zimbabwe to Enhance Safe Navigation

Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Assistant Surveyor General Mr. Kelvin Chibangula has said the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe have agreed to install floating buoys on Lake Kariba to serve as physical markers, making the physical boundary visible, enhancing safe navigation and allowing fishing activities to continue without fear of conflict.

In his remarks during the sensitisation workshop on the boundary demarcation of Lake Kariba in Kariba, Mr. Chibangula said the boundary on Lake Kariba was defined in the 1963 Order in Council but lacked physical markers.

The Assistant Surveyor General said the floating buoys would provide a visible demarcation, reduce accidental crossing and enhance security.

“Unclear boundaries on the lake have led to challenges such as unintentional crossings, arrests, vessel seizures, and disputes. To address this, our two Governments, with support from AUBP and GIZ, agreed to pilot the installation of floating buoys along the first 10-kilometre stretch from dam wall upstream,” Mr. Chibangula said.

Officially opening the workshop, Surveyor General of Zimbabwe Mr. Edwin Guvaza noted that the installation of floating buoys on the lake was a milestone for Zambia and Zimbabwe as it would be the first physical boundary on shared waters in Africa.

Mr. Guvaza stated that the two Surveyors General had agreed to make the boundary on Lake Kariba visible, taking into consideration many incidents that have occurred on the lake over the years due to a lack of understanding of the precise position of the boundary line.

“This is to inform you thoroughly about this important exercise of installing floating buoys, their strategic importance, and the subsequent benefits accruing to both communities settled along the common boundary. Ultimately, our goal is that we all achieve a better understanding of the purpose of the buoys and collectively take ownership,” Mr. Guvaza said.

Kariba Acting District Development Coordinator Mr. Takura Muhanzu, in his welcoming remarks, underscored the importance of the installation of buoys on the lake for the communities on Lake Kariba.

Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) Representative Mr. Yanick Le Gleau emphasised that the demarcation pilot project would cover a 10-kilometre stretch, from the Kariba Dam wall to Sampakaruma Island.

Mr. Le Gleau said the buoys are a public good designed to provide visibility and safety on the water to enable fishermen and vessel operators navigate securely and legally.

Mr. Le Gleau reiterated GIZ’s commitment to supporting the African Union Border Programme’s vision of turning administrative borders into vibrant spaces of peaceful integration.

African Union Border Programme Head of Delegation Mr. Grant Bowers, who represented the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, stated that the workshop is a direct expression of the Border Governance Strategy in action, as it brings together States, institutions, and communities to translate policy into practical solutions on the ground.

Mr. Bowers emphasised that the Lake Kariba Initiative is a clear demonstration of the principles of the Niamey Convention, which provides a legal and institutional foundation for cooperation between neighbouring states in managing shared spaces, resolving disputes peacefully, and strengthening collaboration at all levels.

Mr. Bowers reminded the local communities that their engagement, understanding and cooperation will determine whether this initiative becomes a lasting model for peaceful and practical border management in Africa.

The work is happening on both sides of Lake Kariba.

While Zambia's Sensitisation Workshop took place yesterday in Siavonga, across the water in Zimbabwe today, Surveyor General Mr. Edwin Guvaza was live on Kasambabezi FM, bringing the same message to Zimbabwean fishing communities: the boundary is being made visible, rights are unchanged, and this project is about safety for everyone on Lake Kariba.

On Tuesday, it was Assistant Surveyor General Mr. Kelvin Chibangula on Kariba FM. Today, it is Mr Guvaza on Kasambabezi FM. Two Governments, two broadcasts, one shared commitment.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources of Zambia is proud to be part of an initiative that puts community safety and bilateral cooperation at its centre. What happens on one side of this lake matters to the other. That is exactly why we are doing this together.

Shared Waters. Shared Responsibility.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,
Mr Hakainde Hichilema.

Today, we celebrate your visionary leadership, dedication to national development, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Zambians.

May you be blessed with good health, wisdom, and continued strength as you serve our nation.

Zambia and Zimbabwe to Install Floating Buoys on Lake Kariba to Create Visible Boundary

Zambia and Zimbabwe have agreed to pilot the installation of floating buoys on Lake Kariba along the first 10-kilometre stretch from the dam wall upstream to provide visible demarcation, reduce accidental crossing and enhance security.

Ahead of the installation of the buoys, the Governments of the Zambia and Zimbabwe have embarked on a programme to sensitise the communities around Lake Kariba in Siavonga and Kariba.

During the Sensitisation Workshop on the Lake Kariba Boundary Demarcation in Siavonga today, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Assistant Surveyor General Mr. Chibangula said this milestone had been made possible through the unwavering support and guidance by the African Union Border Programme, with assistance from Germany and GIZ who have facilitated the procurement of 11 buoys and engaged a contractor to install them.

“The installation will be done between 29th June and 19th July, 2026. Over the years the two countries have undertaken various reaffirmation activities along our common border. Specifically, on Lake Kariba, the joint team conducted reconnaissance survey of the entire stretch on the lake and identified hotspots. The team also established a geodetic control network in Siavonga and Kariba in 2022. This was a crucial step in preparing for the installation of floating markers,” Mr. Chibangula said.

He noted that the sensitization workshop provides all stakeholders and communities with the opportunity to learn what the buoys are, why they are being installed, and the benefits.

Mr. Chibangula expressed gratitude to the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the African Union Border Programme and GIZ for their support, and traditional leaders for mobilizing the community to attend the workshop.

Surveyor General of Zimbabwe Mr. Ewin Guvaza, noted that the two countries have been carrying out the reaffirmation exercise since 2021 with the intention to finalizing a comprehensive Boundary Treaty, towards the strict deadline by the African Union Border Programme of 2027.

Mr. Guvaza assured the community that the Surveyors General were installing the floating buoys to enhance the visibility of the boundary to facilitate bilateral cooperation and peaceful co-existence between the two sister countries.

Siavonga District Commissioner Mr. Geoffrey Jakopo, in his welcoming remarks, implored the participants to ask questions, share concerns and agree on how to keep Lake Kariba safe and productive for all the people.

GIZ Representative Yanick Le Gléau underlined the significance of the boundary demarcation project, highlighting that this would be the first time an international boundary is being physically demarcated directly on a water body in Africa.

“By undertaking this pilot demarcation project using floating buoys and pairing it with the sensitization of communities, you are pioneering a new model. We want to ensure that a better definition of borders translates directly into safer navigation, reduced conflict and stronger cross border cooperation,” Mr. Le Gléau said.

African Union Border Programme official Mr. Grant Bowers, who represented the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, lauded the boundary demarcation programme, noting that it will serve as an example of peaceful management of shared waters to the rest of the world.

“Following the successful pilot demarcation, Lake Kariba will host the 15th African Border Day celebrations on 7th July, 2026. This will be a historic occasion taking place on the very waters where Africa’s first lake border demarcation is being implemented,” said Mr. Bowers.

Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Assistant Surveyor General, Mr. Kelvin Chibangula, took to the airwaves yesterday.

In a live appearance on Kariba FM in Siavonga, Mr. Chibangula spoke directly to the Zambian fishing communities about the Lake Kariba Boundary Demarcation Project: what the floating buoys are, why the Government of Zambia is part of this initiative, and what it means for the fishermen, boat operators, and families who depend on these waters every day.

The message he carried was straightforward. The boundary on Lake Kariba has always existed. The buoys make it visible. Your fishing rights have not changed. This project is here to protect Zambian lake users, not to restrict them.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is committed to making sure that every person on the Zambian side of Lake Kariba is informed, protected, and heard.