TAZA PROJECT TO OPEN A NEW ELECTRICITY TRADE MARKET IN AFRICA




📌 Project reaches 83% completion

📌 Dr. Mataragio inspects the project and issues directives to TANESCO

📌 TAZA to connect Rukwa Region to the National Grid

📌 To strengthen power supply in Southern Tanzania


Mbeya


The construction of the 400-kilovolt electricity transmission line from Iringa to Zambia through Tunduma (TAZA Project) has reached 83.45% completion and is expected to be finalized by May 2026, paving the way for a new electricity trade market in Africa.


Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on October 23, 2025, at Iganjo area in Mbeya, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, said the TAZA Project is a key national initiative that will connect Tanzania with countries in the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) and strengthen the integration of the East Africa Power Pool (EAPP).


“I would like to thank and commend Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds to implement major energy projects. Through this project, we will enhance the trading of electricity between countries in Eastern and Southern Africa,” said Dr. Mataragio.


Regarding regional electricity trade, Dr. Mataragio noted that Tanzania has already interconnected its national grid with Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia through the East Africa Power Pool.


“We also plan to link the grid with countries in Northern and Western Africa so that the entire continent can trade electricity. This is part of the broader African energy initiative to provide power to about 600 million Africans who still lack access to electricity,” he added.


Dr. Mataragio further explained that the TAZA Project is being implemented by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in collaboration with development partners — including the World Bank, the European Union (EU), and the French Development Agency (AFD) — at a total cost of USD 584 million.


Apart from linking Tanzania’s power grid with Southern African countries, the project will also connect Rukwa Region to the national grid and improve electricity reliability in the regions of Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, and Songwe.


After inspecting the project, Dr. Mataragio directed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to closely supervise the contractor, especially during this rainy season, to ensure that the foundation works are completed on time. He also urged the contractor to ensure that all required equipment is available at the project site.


In another directive, Dr. Mataragio instructed TANESCO to ensure power supply to the Ngozi geothermal project site, where geothermal testing equipment currently relies on diesel fuel.


The Deputy Permanent Secretary was accompanied on the tour by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Eng. Innocent Luoga, along with officials from the Ministry of Energy and TANESCO.


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