The construction of the 400-kilovolt Iringa–Tunduma–Zambia (TAZA) transmission line has reached 83.45 percent completion, with full commissioning expected by May 2026.
The strategic project is poised to open a new chapter in Africa’s electricity trade, deepening regional energy connectivity and driving economic growth.
During his inspection visit to the project site at Iganjo in Mbeya on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio, underscored the importance of the TAZA project, describing it as a vital step toward regional power integration.
“I commend President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her commitment and continued investment in major energy projects. The TAZA project will expand cross-border electricity trade between East African nations and those in Southern Africa, reinforcing Tanzania’s role as a regional energy hub,” said Dr. Mataragio.
He explained that Tanzania is already interconnected with Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia through the East Africa Power Pool, enabling mutual power exchange.
The new TAZA line, he added, will strengthen ties with the Southern Africa Power Pool and pave the way for future connections with Northern and Western Africa an initiative that could help deliver electricity to nearly 600 million Africans still living without power.
Funded jointly by the Government of Tanzania, the World Bank, the European Union (EU), and the French Development Agency (AFD), the TAZA project represents a total investment of USD 584 million (about TZS 1.5 trillion).
In addition to linking Tanzania with the Southern Africa grid, the project will connect Rukwa Region to the national grid for the first time and enhance electricity reliability across Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, and Songwe regions.
After touring the site, Dr. Mataragio instructed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to intensify supervision of the contractor, especially during the rainy season, to ensure that construction materials are delivered on time and that foundation works are completed as scheduled.
He also directed TANESCO to ensure a smooth connection of the Ngozi Geothermal Power Project to the grid once it becomes operational. Currently, geothermal testing in the area relies on diesel power.
Dr. Mataragio was accompanied by the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr. Innocent Luoga, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and TANESCO.
Once complete, the TAZA project is expected to mark a turning point in Tanzania’s energy landscape enhancing power reliability domestically and positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s emerging electricity market.