The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has teamed up with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to explore the construction of a new power receiving and substation facility at Dimani as the government moves to address rising electricity demand in Fumba and surrounding areas.
The partnership entered a new phase on August 4, 2026, after the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) and JICA signed an agreement to undertake a feasibility study for the proposed facility.
The project is expected to strengthen the electricity network in areas experiencing rapid residential and urban development, particularly Fumba, where growing economic activity has increased pressure on existing power infrastructure.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at ZECO’s Saateni offices, Director of the Department of Energy and Minerals Saidi Haji Mdungi said the feasibility study would establish the technical requirements and viability of the project before construction begins.
He said the proposed Dimani facility was part of the government’s wider efforts to improve the reliability and sustainability of electricity supply in line with the 2025 Energy Policy.
“The project will contribute to ensuring that citizens have access to reliable, safe and sustainable electricity services,” Mr Mdungi said.
Fumba has experienced significant growth in housing and modern urban developments, increasing demand for electricity and placing additional pressure on the existing network.
Mr Mdungi said the government had therefore been taking measures to strengthen power infrastructure and ensure that electricity supply keeps pace with urban expansion.
The proposed Dimani facility is expected to play an important role in improving the capacity and reliability of the electricity network serving Fumba and neighbouring areas.
Mr Mdungi urged ZECO and JICA to maintain close coordination throughout the feasibility study and subsequent stages of the project to ensure that key requirements are addressed on time.
He said timely completion of the preparatory work would allow construction to proceed as planned and help Zanzibar respond to growing demand for electricity.
The partnership also highlights the increasing importance of investing in electricity infrastructure alongside Zanzibar’s expanding urban centres, where reliable power is critical to households, businesses and new investments.
ZECO Manager Haji Haji and JICA Senior Advisor in the Grant Aid Projects Department, Sugiyama Shigeru, signed the agreement launching the feasibility study.
