Public Relations practitioners attending the 2026 Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) Annual General Conference in Livingstone were this morning taken on a guided tour of the Victoria Falls Power Station to gain first-hand insight into how Zambia’s electricity is generated and managed. The visit formed part of the conference’s practical learning engagements aimed at strengthening understanding of key national infrastructure systems that support communication between institutions and the public. Delegates observed operations at one of the country’s strategic power generation facilities and interacted with energy sector professionals on site. The tour highlighted the link between public communication and essential service delivery in sectors that directly affect citizens’ daily lives. It also reinforced the importance of accurate information sharing between utility providers and communication practitioners.
The tour was led by ZESCO Victoria Falls Power Station Manager Chileshe Mutengo, who provided a detailed overview of the station’s operations and current generation status. He assured delegates and the public that Zambia is currently operating at maximum power generation capacity and that this level of supply will continue over the coming months. Mutengo explained that the facility has been running at full capacity since January 1, 2026, ensuring stable electricity supply for domestic consumption. He also clarified that Zambia is not currently exporting electricity to Namibia, as all generated power is being directed toward meeting local demand. His briefing provided clarity on national energy management and reinforced confidence in the country’s power stability.
Mutengo further guided the delegation through various sections of the power station, allowing them to observe the infrastructure and systems that support electricity generation. The tour included key operational areas where delegates were shown how water flow, turbines, and control systems work together to produce electricity. He emphasized the importance of maintaining equipment efficiency and technical coordination to sustain uninterrupted power supply. The hands-on exposure allowed communication practitioners to better understand the technical realities behind national energy production. It also helped bridge the gap between technical operations and public communication needs.
Speaking during the visit, Ministry of Energy Principal Public Relations Officer Bob Sianjalika expressed appreciation for the initiative and the opportunity for communication professionals to engage directly with energy infrastructure operations. He stated that Zambia is currently secure in terms of power supply and that the system is stable under existing generation conditions. Sianjalika noted that such engagements help improve public understanding and reduce misinformation around energy availability and distribution. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions and communication practitioners in ensuring that the public receives accurate and timely updates. His remarks reinforced the role of public relations in strengthening trust between government and citizens.
The delegation’s tour was seen as an important step in enhancing knowledge sharing between the energy sector and communication professionals attending the ZIPRC conference. By observing real-time operations at Victoria Falls Power Station, participants gained practical insight into how national power systems function and how supply stability is maintained. The experience also underscored the importance of transparency in public service communication, particularly in essential sectors like energy. It demonstrated how direct exposure to infrastructure can improve the quality of information shared with the public. The engagement strengthened professional understanding of how technical operations influence national messaging.
The ZIPRC conference continues to serve as a platform for professional development, networking, and knowledge exchange among communication practitioners across Zambia. Activities such as the power station tour reflect the institute’s commitment to linking communication theory with real-world systems that impact national development. The inclusion of infrastructure visits in the conference program helps practitioners better contextualize the information they communicate to the public. It also enhances their ability to interpret technical updates accurately and responsibly. This approach supports more informed and effective communication practices within both government and private sector institutions.
The Victoria Falls Power Station visit concluded with delegates expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with energy experts and observe operational systems. The experience strengthened their understanding of Zambia’s current power situation and the efforts being made to maintain stable supply levels. It also highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between technical sectors and communication professionals in shaping public awareness. With Zambia currently operating at maximum generation capacity for domestic use, the energy sector remains focused on sustaining reliability and meeting national demand. The tour reinforced confidence in the country’s power stability and demonstrated the value of collaborative communication in supporting national development.