Tanzania and Zambia are working together to improve their energy systems. They are building important infrastructure and making strategic agreements. These efforts will help increase the trade of electricity between the two countries. This collaboration will also benefit the surrounding region.
Tanzania is starting a new power grid project with Zambia. Doto Biteko, the Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, announced this in October 2024. The project will help Zambia deal with power shortages caused by drought. It will allow both countries to share electricity. The work started in September 2024, and it should take 36 months to finish. This shows that Tanzania is serious about working with its neighbors on energy issues. It also builds on existing connections with Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya.
The Tanzania-Zambia Project, known as Taza, is a big plan to build a new power line. This transmission line will be 400 kilowatts and stretch 616 kilometers from Iringa to Sumbawanga in Tanzania. The project will start in January 2023 and finish by January 2025. Taza aims to improve electricity access for people in areas like Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, and Rukwa. This project also makes Tanzania an important connection point between the Eastern and Southern African Power Pools. This will help countries in these regions trade electricity more easily.
Tanzania Electric Supply Company, known as Tanesco, is starting talks with Kanona Power Limited from Zambia. They want to create a big electricity sale agreement. This deal would allow Tanzania to sell electricity to Zambia and maybe other nearby countries. It could improve the relationship between the two nations and help Tanesco make more money. This partnership shows how private companies can work together to boost energy projects in the region.
Regional integration is important for electricity trade. It helps countries work together on energy projects. One example is the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) interconnector project. This project plans to bring in about 300 megawatts of electricity from Tanzania to Zambia. This will help Zambia solve its energy shortages and cut down on power cuts. Projects like this are key. They diversify energy sources, make power grids more stable, and boost economic growth by improving access to electricity.
East and Southern Africa are going through big changes in energy. Tanzania and Zambia are leading the way. They are working together to improve energy security. This will help their economies grow. These efforts are important for the whole region.
