Written By: Faith
The long-awaited Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector Project officially broke ground again on April 11, 2025, marking a significant turning point in regional energy development for East and Southern Africa. With construction set to resume after years of delay, the project is expected to revolutionize power access, strengthen regional cooperation, and stimulate trade across the continent.
Launched at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the ceremony brought together top government officials, international financiers, and energy experts to celebrate what many see as a transformative move toward regional energy independence and economic empowerment.
Backed by the World Bank, European Union, and United Kingdom, the $320 million project aims to link Zambia’s and Tanzania’s national electricity grids, creating a seamless energy corridor that will connect the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP). The interconnector is expected to be completed by 2028.
1. Energy Access and Reliability for Underserved Regions
One of the most direct benefits of the interconnector project is improved electricity access in underserved regions, particularly in southwestern Tanzania. Areas like Sumbawanga and Suangena, which currently rely on an outdated 5 MW diesel mini-grid, will be integrated into a modern, high-capacity power network. This will result in more reliable, cleaner, and cost-effective power, especially for households and small businesses that have long struggled with inconsistent supply.
For Zambia, connecting to Tanzania provides greater flexibility and resilience in energy distribution, particularly for its northern and rural areas. The improved grid integration will reduce electricity shortages and load-shedding, which often hinder industrial activity and public services.
2. Boosting Regional Trade in Electricity
Beyond powering homes and industries, this interconnector serves a strategic purpose: enabling electricity trade across borders. By physically linking the two countries’ power systems, the project allows Zambia to export its surplus hydro-generated electricity to Tanzania and vice versa. This helps both countries balance supply and demand more efficiently, especially during periods of peak usage or droughts that may affect hydroelectric production.
The corridor opens the door to a continental electricity market, connecting Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania in the east to Zambia and the broader Southern African network. As countries integrate their grids, they can tap into each other’s strengths be it hydro, solar, wind, or geothermal power resulting in lower prices, reduced blackouts, and improved overall energy security.
3. Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels
The project is also expected to displace diesel-generated electricity in isolated Tanzanian regions. This shift is not only more cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. With global pressure mounting to decarbonize energy systems, the interconnector facilitates the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner sources, especially hydroelectric power, which is abundant in Zambia.
By reducing reliance on imported diesel and power from less stable grids, Tanzania will enjoy greater autonomy in its energy decisions. This could also lead to long-term savings in fuel import costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with both nations’ climate goals.
4. Stimulating Investment and Economic Growth
Reliable and affordable electricity is a cornerstone of economic development. With this project, both countries are poised to attract investment in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and ICT sectors, all of which rely on stable power supplies.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of both economies, will benefit tremendously. Better electricity access can improve productivity, storage, and service delivery, particularly in remote areas.
The project itself creates construction jobs, procurement opportunities, and technical capacity-building, injecting immediate economic activity into local communities.
5. Strengthening Regional Integration and Stability
The Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector is more than just a power line it is a symbol of regional cooperation. By linking two power pools and facilitating cross-border energy trade, it encourages policy harmonization, shared infrastructure, and mutual dependence. These factors foster greater political stability and regional trust.
As highlighted by Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, during the launch, this project is a key step in diversifying energy sources, reducing bottlenecks, and aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a united and industrialized continent.
6. Enhancing Grid Efficiency and Reducing Losses
Another technical benefit lies in cutting transmission losses. The new 400kV double-circuit transmission line, stretching 620 kilometres from Iringa in Tanzania to the Zambian border (and onward to Sumbawanga), will be equipped with modern infrastructure that ensures efficient electricity transfer.
This will enhance voltage stability, reduce blackouts, and improve the reliability of power from future plants, especially in southern Tanzania. The substation planned for Tunduma, near the border, will act as a vital node that synchronizes and stabilizes the two countries’ energy flows.
7. Unlocking Africa’s Renewable Potential
The interconnector lays the groundwork for scaling up green energy investments. For instance, Zambia can export hydroelectric power generated from the Kafue Gorge and Kariba Dam.
This infrastructure will make it easier for international investors and developers to plan large-scale renewable projects, knowing they can connect to a regional grid.
