The Zambian government has officially launched the implementation phase of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector project, a major cross-border electricity initiative set to boost regional energy trade and power grid stability across Eastern and Southern Africa. The project is part of the broader Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) interconnector, aimed at linking the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) with the East Africa Power Pool (EAPP), creating a unified electricity market across the continent.
The project, backed by $292 million in grant financing, was unveiled at a high-level launch event held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The event was attended by representatives from the Zambian government, World Bank, European Union (EU), United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), COMESA, and officials from Kenya and Tanzania.
The financing package includes:
- $245 million from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA)
- $17 million from the UK FCDO through the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP)
- $30 million from the European Union
The interconnector project involves the construction of a 620-kilometre, 400 kV double circuit transmission line stretching from Iringa in Tanzania to the Zambian border, and onwards to Sumbawanga, integrating both countries’ national power grids. A new substation will also be built in Tunduma, near the Zambia-Tanzania border.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, represented by Innocent Luoga, reaffirmed the commitment of the heads of state from Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya to advancing energy integration in the region. Luoga announced that Tanzania’s segment of the interconnector is expected to be commissioned by May 26, 2026, with power exports to Zambia projected to begin the following year.
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, hailed the interconnector as a milestone in Zambia’s regional energy strategy, stating:
“The Zambia-Tanzania interconnector is just the beginning. We are exploring additional interconnections with Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, and Zimbabwe to expand regional energy access and market integration.”
World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, Ackim Fock, described the project as a transformative initiative:
“The Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector will not only enhance the resilience of Zambia’s power system, but also contribute to broader African energy security.”
COMESA Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, emphasized the strategic importance of the project in advancing regional renewable energy development, saying:
“Full energy interconnectivity and increased renewable generation have been prioritized as essential goals for the COMESA region.”
EU Special Advisor Henrik Hololei added that the initiative will support regional growth and connectivity:
“This project will drive economic growth, enhance energy security, and strengthen cross-regional cooperation.”
Once completed, the ZTK interconnector will form the final link in the Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania–Zambia transmission corridor, paving the way for large-scale power exchange between East and Southern Africa. It is expected to unlock new investments in generation, transmission, and rural electrification, while promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and regional energy trade.
