The Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka hosted a high-level launch event to announce the project, which was supported by $292 million in grant financing. Members of the Zambian government, World Bank, European Union (EU), United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and COMESA were among the attendees, along with representatives from Kenya and Tanzania.
In order to integrate the national power grids of Zambia and Tanzania, the interconnector project entails building a 400 kV double circuit transmission line that will span 620 kilometers from Tanzania’s Iringa to the Zambian border and then to Sumbawanga. Additionally, a new substation will be constructed at Tunduma, close to the border between Zambia and Tanzania.
Innocent Luoga, representing the Tanzanian Ministry of Energy, affirmed the commitment of Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya to promote energy integration in the region. A commissioning date has been set for Tanzania’s segment of the interconnector by May 26, 2026, with power exports to Zambia to commence the following year.
Makozo Chikote, Zambia’s Minister of Energy, praised the interconnector as a significant development in the country’s regional energy policy, saying, “It is only the beginning of our plans to connect Zambia with Tanzania. We are also exploring connections with Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, and Zimbabwe in order to expand regional energy access and integration.”
According to Ackim Fock, Country Manager for Zambia at the World Bank, this project is a transformative initiative. “There is no doubt that the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector will improve the resilience of Zambia’s power system as well as contribute to the broader African energy security.” He added.
Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, COMESA Assistant Secretary General, highlighted the project’s strategic significance in promoting the development of renewable energy in the region. “Increased renewable generation and full energy interconnectivity have been emphasized as crucial objectives for the COMESA region.” Dr. Mohamed stated.
Additionally, the effort will promote regional connection and growth, according to EU Special Advisor Henrik Hololei. He stated that, “This project will boost cross-regional cooperation, improve energy security, and stimulate economic growth.”
Large-scale power exchange between East and Southern Africa will be made possible by the ZTK interconnector, which will be the last connection along the transmission corridor connecting Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. In addition to encouraging climate-resilient infrastructure and regional energy trade, it is anticipated to open up new investments in generation, transmission, and rural electrification.
