Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has said the completion of the Malangali Power Substation project in Rukwa Region will open a new chapter in economic development by improving access to reliable electricity, attracting investors and enabling Tanzania to export power to neighbouring countries.

Speaking during a visit to inspect the progress of construction at the substation, Ndejembi said Rukwa Region requires approximately 30 megawatts of electricity but currently receives only 16 megawatts. The shortfall has been affecting production activities, particularly the processing of agricultural produce and minerals.

He said the Sixth Phase Government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has invested in the project to connect Rukwa to the national grid and position the region as a hub for electricity generation and trade across East and Southern Africa.

“Today, TANESCO buys electricity from Zambia, but through this transmission line, we will begin selling large and reliable amounts of electricity to Zambia,” Ndejembi said. He urged investors to seize the economic opportunities available in Rukwa and called on residents to protect the infrastructure.

Earlier, Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said the project is part of the government’s investment aimed at ensuring that all regions in the country are connected to the national electricity grid.

She added that Tanzanians account for 90 per cent of the workforce implementing the project, noting that equipment testing is expected to begin in mid-November 2026.