The construction of the 400-kilovolt Chalinze–Dodoma power transmission line has reached 89 percent completion, with the strategic project expected to be finalized on August 21, 2026, marking a major milestone in strengthening Tanzania's National Grid and expanding electricity transmission capacity.
The 345-kilometre transmission line is designed to improve the country's power transmission infrastructure and facilitate the evacuation of electricity generated by the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, which has an installed capacity of 2,115 megawatts.
Speaking during an inspection of the project on July 1, Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, described the project as one of the government's key strategic investments aimed at reinforcing the national electricity transmission network to meet the country's rapidly growing energy demand.
He said the transmission line would significantly enhance the stability and reliability of the National Grid while ensuring efficient delivery of power from major generation sources to consumers across the country.
"The government has recognized that electricity demand continues to increase. The construction of this transmission line is therefore essential because it will strengthen the stability of the National Grid," Ndejembi said.
He added that the government will continue investing in electricity infrastructure to ensure reliable power supply for households, industries and other productive sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited, Razalo Twange, said the expansion of electricity infrastructure has enabled the utility to connect a record number of customers during the 2025/26 financial year.
Twange revealed that TANESCO connected more than 800,000 new electricity customers during the year, describing the achievement as unprecedented since Tanzania attained independence.
"This has never happened since Tanzania gained independence. It reflects the growing demand for electricity, and we are continuing to expand the country's power infrastructure to meet that demand," he said.
Earlier, the project's manager, Newton Mwakifamba, said construction work is progressing according to schedule and remains on track for completion on August 21, 2026, in line with the contractual timeline.
Once completed, the Chalinze–Dodoma transmission line is expected to play a critical role in improving the reliability of electricity supply nationwide, supporting industrial development, and ensuring efficient transmission of power from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant to demand centres across Tanzania.
