The Tanzania-Zambia (TAZA) 400kV power interconnector project has reached 58% completion on the Tanzanian side, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen regional energy integration and enhance cross-border power trade.
According to the Ministry of Energy, steady progress is being made on the 616 km transmission line and associated substations spanning Iringa, Mbeya, and Rukwa regions. The project will connect Tanzania’s national grid with Zambia’s, linking both countries to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and improving electricity supply reliability across the region.
Progress on Transmission Lines and Substations
Engineer Sadick Mwaifunga, representing the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, announced the progress during an inspection visit involving ministry officials, TANESCO, and World Bank representatives.
Key sections of the line — Iringa-Kisada, Kisada-Mbeya, Mbeya-Tunduma, and Tunduma-Sumbawanga — are already 81% complete. Meanwhile, construction of substations at Iringa, Kisada, Mbeya, Tunduma, and Sumbawanga has reached 35%. Out of a planned 1,614 transmission towers, more than 420 have been installed to date.
TANESCO’s Project Manager, Engineer Elias Makunga, urged contractors to maximize the dry season for construction, warning against delays once the rains set in. He emphasized the importance of meeting deadlines to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.
Financing and Implementation
The TAZA project is being implemented jointly by TANESCO and Zambia’s ZESCO, with financial backing from the World Bank, African Development Bank, the European Union, and other development partners. The project involves building a 620 km, 400kV double-circuit transmission line from Iringa in southern Tanzania to the Zambian border, along with a new substation at Tunduma.
Engineer Ananthan Pannerselvam, representing the contractor for the Kisada-Iringa to Mbeya section, commended the Tanzanian government for ensuring timely disbursement of funds, which has enabled smooth implementation. He expressed confidence that the works will be completed on schedule.
Strategic Importance
Once completed, the Tanzania-Zambia interconnector will provide a reliable platform for regional electricity trade, reduce power shortages, and support economic growth by stabilizing supply for industries and households. By connecting Tanzania to SAPP, the project is expected to open up opportunities for selling surplus electricity while enabling access to power from neighboring countries during times of deficit.
The project underscores Tanzania’s growing role as a key player in regional energy integration, supporting its industrialization agenda and advancing East and Southern Africa’s long-term energy security.