RUKWA REGION SET TO BE CONNECTED TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID





📌 Residents to benefit from reliable electricity, economic growth and improved social services

📌 MD Twange directs contractor to complete the project by November 15, 2026

📌 TAZA Project to pave the way for electricity trade between Tanzania and Zambia

By Our Correspondent, Iringa

Residents of Rukwa Region are expected to benefit from reliable electricity once the 400kV Iringa–Kisada–Mbeya–Tunduma–Sumbawanga Transmission Line Project (TAZA) is completed, a development expected to stimulate economic growth, investment and the provision of improved social services in the region.

The Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Mr Lazaro Twange, said completion of the project would enable Rukwa to be connected to the National Electricity Grid for the first time, increasing access to reliable electricity for residents, public institutions, industries and businesses.

Speaking on September 23, 2026, during a meeting with contractors implementing the project, Mr Twange directed them to ensure that the project is completed by November 15, 2026, so that residents can begin benefiting from its intended outcomes.

“This is a major strategic project spanning 616 kilometres and costing approximately Sh2 trillion. We thank Her Excellency President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for this major investment in the energy sector. Completion of this project will provide the people of Rukwa with reliable electricity and open up new opportunities for economic development,” Mr Twange said.

He said the project has so far reached 96.57 per cent completion and, once completed, will increase the National Grid’s electricity transmission capacity, reduce electricity supply challenges in southwestern Tanzania and create a conducive environment for investment in industries, mining, trade and agriculture.

For the people of Rukwa, the project is expected to improve access to services at hospitals, schools and other social institutions that depend on electricity, while strengthening productive activities and employment opportunities through energy-dependent investments.

Mr Twange also said the project has regional significance as it will complete preparations for interconnecting the electricity systems of Tanzania and Zambia, a step that will facilitate electricity trade between the two countries and strengthen economic cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Commenting on some of the challenges that delayed the project, he said they included the transportation of oversized equipment, particularly transformers weighing more than 200 tonnes, which required special road infrastructure preparations before they could be transported.

However, TANESCO is continuing to work closely with the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to ensure that the remaining equipment is safely delivered to the project sites so that all works are completed within the agreed timeframe.

The TAZA Project, which was initially scheduled for completion in May 2026, is now expected to be completed on November 15, 2026. It is part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen access to reliable electricity for Tanzanians and accelerate national economic development.

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