Tanzania and Malawi have agreed to accelerate implementation of the long-awaited 180.2-megawatt Songwe River Basin Development Project, a flagship cross-border investment expected to strengthen energy security while unlocking agricultural and economic opportunities for communities in both countries.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Joint Songwe River Basin Commission (SONGWECOM) held in Lilongwe, Malawi, on July 10, where Tanzania's Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, chaired the ministerial session.
The meeting reviewed progress on the multi-purpose project and agreed on measures to expedite its implementation through closer coordination between the two governments.
Beyond producing 180.2MW of hydroelectric power, the project is expected to transform the Songwe River Basin by expanding irrigation, improving water supply, supporting fisheries and tourism, and stimulating economic growth in border communities shared by Tanzania and Malawi.
Officials said accelerating the project would also contribute to improving energy access, strengthening food and water security, and enhancing climate resilience through integrated management of the shared river basin.
The meeting brought together senior government officials from both countries, including Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Water, Engineer Kundo Andrea Mathew, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde, Tanzania's Ambassador to Malawi, Agnes Kayola, Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Engineer Kasper Kasper Mmuya, and technical experts overseeing implementation of the project.
SONGWECOM's Council of Ministers is the commission's highest decision-making body, comprising 10 ministers from Tanzania and Malawi representing the water, energy, irrigated agriculture, PMO-RALG/local government and lands sectors.
The renewed commitment reflects growing regional efforts to jointly develop shared water resources through infrastructure projects that enhance electricity generation, strengthen food and water security, and drive sustainable economic development in both countries.
