The Tanzanian government has fulfilled its pledge to extend national grid electricity to all districts of Kagera Region, following the signing of key contracts for the construction of a 220-kilovolt (kV) transmission line from Benako, Ngara, to Kyaka in Misenyi District, alongside the Benako 220/33 kV substation.
The project will ensure reliable electricity supply for the region, reducing dependence on power imported from Uganda.
Speaking after witnessing the signing in Dodoma on August 25, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, said the initiative is a direct instruction from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to guarantee continuous electricity access for Kagera residents, supporting both economic and social activities.
“Through this project, Kagera joins the national grid for the first time, enhancing electricity reliability, especially in Bukoba, Muleba, Misenyi, Karagwe, Kyerwa, and surrounding areas. The government has ensured the project will be completed within 24 months,” Dr. Biteko said.
He added that Kagera, whose electricity demand currently does not exceed 47 megawatts, will benefit from multiple power supply routes, including Benako-Karagwe-Kyaka, Nyakanazi-Biharamulo-Muleba, and a major 400 kV line from Ibadakuli to Mbarara, Uganda. The 87 MW Kakono power generation project is also in the final stage of contractor selection.
Dr. Biteko further highlighted that President Samia continues to oversee other major electricity projects, including the 400 kV Tanzania-Zambia and Chalinze-Dodoma transmission lines, the Mkuranga-Pwani line for southern Tanzania, and the Tunduru-Masasi-Mahumbika project, all designed to enhance electricity reliability in southern regions.
“These projects demonstrate the President’s commitment to providing citizens with reliable electricity. Now, what is required from officials is prompt execution and measurable results,” he emphasized.
Dr. Biteko also thanked project financiers who contributed approximately USD 105.6 million, stressing that funds should be used responsibly to encourage continued support for future development initiatives.
He instructed TANESCO to ensure that 1,014 residents affected by the project receive compensation starting September 2025.
He praised the Ministry of Energy’s Permanent Secretary, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, TANESCO Commissioner Eng. Innocent Luoga, and TANESCO officials for their diligent project management, noting improvements in transparency, procurement, and overall service delivery.
He urged Kagera residents to take full advantage of reliable electricity once the projects are complete.
Kagera Regional Commissioner, Fatuma Mwassa, commended the government for prioritizing this costly but vital project, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to citizens’ welfare.
She confirmed that all Kagera districts will now be connected to the national grid, whereas previously only three were linked, and urged residents to use electricity responsibly and pay bills promptly to support future development.
Eng. Felchesmi Mramba said Kagera is among four regions including Rukwa, Lindi, and Mtwara that had not been connected to the national grid.
The signing of these contracts marks a historic step, bringing all regions outside the grid into national electricity plans.
Currently, Kagera receives 40 MW from Uganda via the Kyaka substation and 7 MW from a private investor through the Mirongo/Kikagati project. Since the Sixth Phase Government took office, six out of 26 regions were not connected to the grid; over four years, Kigoma and Katavi have been connected, with other projects ongoing.
TANESCO CEO, Lazaro Twange, emphasized the importance of the project for Kagera districts including Kyerwa, Karagwe, Misenyi, Muleba, Bukoba Rural, and Bukoba Municipality which for years relied on approximately 40 MW imported from Uganda. Completion of the project will also allow integration of the Kakono power plant into the national grid.
The project, costing TZS 262.5 billion, will be completed within 24 months, funded by the Tanzanian government in partnership with development partners, including USD 60 million from the OPEC Fund, USD 30 million from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, USD 13 million from the Saudi Development Fund, and USD 2.6 million from the Tanzanian government for compensation.
The contractors are M/s TBEA Co. Ltd from China, responsible for constructing the Benako substation, and M/s Transrail Lighting Limited from India, tasked with building the transmission line from Benako to Kyaka.