Zanzibar is set to benefit from improved electricity reliability as the government advances major power transmission projects aimed at strengthening supply, supporting investment and improving services for citizens.
The development was highlighted when Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, visited the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) pavilion during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), where he witnessed progress in the country’s electricity sector.
During the visit on July 13, 2026, Dr Mwinyi was briefed on key TANESCO initiatives, including new electricity transmission projects, smart energy technologies and clean cooking solutions designed to improve efficiency and reduce energy challenges facing households and businesses.
TANESCO Managing Director Lazaro Twange said the government is implementing plans to construct three new electricity transmission connections linking mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar through undersea cables.
The planned transmission routes include Dar es Salaam–Unguja, Tanga–Pemba and Kisiju–Mafia, projects expected to increase power reliability and create additional capacity to support Zanzibar’s growing demand, particularly from tourism, industries and other economic activities.
“These projects will strengthen the electricity network and ensure Zanzibar has a more reliable power supply to support economic growth and improve the quality of services for citizens,” Mr Twange said.
He said the government is also implementing a $282 million electricity project, which includes $6 million dedicated to promoting the use of clean electric cooking energy in partnership with the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO).
The initiative is part of wider efforts to encourage households to adopt cleaner cooking methods while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.
TANESCO has also introduced digital solutions aimed at helping customers manage electricity use. Among them is the Smart House system, which enables users to monitor and control household electricity consumption through mobile phones.
Mr Twange said the innovation will help customers understand their power usage patterns and make better decisions on electricity consumption.
He added that the electric cooker loan programme has continued to expand, with more than 90 per cent of beneficiaries successfully making payments through deductions linked to LUKU electricity purchases.
The programme has provided more households with access to modern cooking equipment while supporting national efforts to promote clean energy.
The investments are part of the government’s broader strategy to improve electricity access, strengthen infrastructure and support economic transformation.
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, with a generation capacity of 2,115 megawatts, is among major investments expected to increase electricity availability and provide the energy foundation needed to drive industrialisation, investment and improved living standards across Tanzania.
