Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector to Strengthen Regional Energy Security
The Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector, backed by the European Union, the UK Government, the World Bank, ZESCO, and ESMAP, is bridging Southern and Eastern Africa’s power networks. When complete, it will enable countries from Cairo to Cape Town to share affordable, often renewable electricity—boosting energy security and resilience across the region. Video / Image Credit: ESMAP, World Bank and Getty Images.
Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector to Strengthen Regional Energy Security
The Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector Project is set to transform electricity trade across Africa by linking the Southern African Power Pool and the Eastern Africa Power Pool.
Once completed, the project will establish a continuous electricity transmission corridor stretching from Cape Town to Cairo, enabling participating countries to exchange power more efficiently. This interconnected market will allow countries with surplus generation to supply those experiencing shortages, improving energy security, strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks and supporting the integration of renewable energy.
For Zambia, the interconnector will provide access to a wider and more diverse regional electricity market. This is particularly important given the country’s reliance on hydropower, which is vulnerable to drought and changing rainfall patterns. By expanding opportunities to import and export electricity, the project will help reduce exposure to hydrological risks while strengthening the national transmission system.
The project will introduce a 330-kilovolt transmission line in Zambia, providing the capacity required to evacuate power from planned generation projects and facilitate increased regional electricity trade. The strengthened transmission backbone will also support efforts to expand electricity access and provide more reliable power for households, businesses, mines, industries and public institutions.
Beyond improving security of supply, greater regional power trade has the potential to lower electricity costs by enabling countries to access affordable power from a broader range of sources. Reliable electricity will, in turn, support investment, job creation, industrial development and improved delivery of essential services such as health and education.
The Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector is supported through collaboration involving the Government of the Republic of Zambia, ZESCO Limited, the World Bank, the European Union, the United Kingdom Government and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.
The project demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation in building a more secure, resilient and sustainable energy future for Africa.
Watch the video: The Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector | An Impact Story
Video/Image Credit: Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, World Bank and Getty Images.