The Government has signed a TZS198.67 billion contract to build a 220kV power transmission line from Iganjo in Mbeya to Saza in Songwe, a project expected to improve electricity reliability and support growing economic activities in the two regions.
The 18-month project will also involve construction of a power substation at Saza, increasing the capacity of the electricity network serving Songwe and Chunya.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba, who witnessed the signing on Friday, September 11, 2026, said the project would address challenges associated with supplying electricity from Mbeya over a long distance.
She said improved power reliability would create better conditions for investment and expansion of mining, agriculture, manufacturing and trade.
“We want Songwe, Mbeya, Rukwa, Iringa and other regions in this corridor to have the capacity to attract investment, expand industries, increase agricultural and mining activities and trade, as well as add value to the resources available,” Ms Makamba said.
The project is particularly significant for the mining sector, where operators say unreliable and costly electricity remains one of the challenges affecting production.
Speaking on behalf of miners in Songwe, Shadrack Mwakyalabwe welcomed the project, saying reliable grid electricity would help reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.
He said some miners currently rely on fuel-powered equipment, pushing up production costs.
Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) representative Amos Kaihula said the Saza substation would have two 50MVA transformers.
He said Songwe and Chunya currently receive electricity from Mbeya through a transmission route covering about 116 kilometres, making the new infrastructure important in improving both reliability and capacity.
Chinese company TBEA will implement the project, while Tanesco Engineering Consultancy Unit (TANECU) will serve as the consulting engineer.
Ms Makamba directed Tanesco and the contractor to ensure the project is completed within the agreed 18-month period and meets the required standards.
“We do not expect to hear that the implementation period has been extended. We will be pleased to see the project completed on time and to the required quality,” she said.
She also directed authorities to ensure people affected by the project receive fair compensation in accordance with the law.
Residents in areas surrounding the project should also be given priority in employment and other opportunities created during implementation, she said.
The Iganjo-Saza project is linked to the wider 400kV Tanzania-Zambia Transmission Interconnector (TAZA), which includes a 616-kilometre transmission line on the Tanzanian side connecting Iringa, Kisada, Iganjo, Tunduma and Sumbawanga.
Ms Makamba said the TAZA project had reached 89.46 percent completion and was expected to be completed in February 2027.
The Iganjo receiving and substation facility in Mbeya will facilitate transmission of electricity to Saza once the new project is completed, she said.
The Government is also implementing other projects to address electricity challenges in the area. Ms Makamba said a 33kV transmission line from Mwakibete in Mbeya to Songwe was expected to be completed by the end of September.
The new infrastructure is expected to give Songwe and Chunya additional electricity capacity and help support the expansion of mining, businesses and other economic activities in the area.