The Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector Project is set to receive a US $292M grant from the World Bank to bolster Zambia’s energy sector.
The project aims to strengthen Zambia’s energy sector, increase transmission capacity, and integrate East and Southern Africa’s power networks. The financing package, includes contributions from the World Bank’s IDA, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the European Union.
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Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector Project
The Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector Project will involve construction of a 620 km of 400 kV double circuit transmission line, from Iringa in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, to the Zambian border and continue on from the Zambian border to Sumbawanga. This will link the Tanzanian grid to Zambia’s grid and it includes the construction of a sub-station at Tunduma, close to the Zambian border.
Of the total grant, US $245M is being provided by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), US $17M by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and US $30M by the European Union.
Yadviga Semikolenova, the World Bank’s Energy Practice Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa, highlighted the project’s role in strengthening Zambia’s resilience to climate shocks. She noted that the initiative would reinforce the country’s transmission system to support new renewable energy projects and enable broader electricity access.
According to World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, Achim Fock, the Zambian power sector is facing significant financial challenges that have hindered the country’s economic growth. He emphasized that the ZTIP initiative complements both regional and national efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the energy sector while promoting universal electricity access.
