Tanzania-Zambia Power Line Reaches 92 Percent Completion
Industrial operators in the region should prepare for grid integration scheduled for completion in December 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Utilities
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Tanzania has reached 92 percent completion on its 618-kilometer power line project connecting Iringa to Malangali. The infrastructure development aims to link regional energy grids and help stabilize power supply for industrial scaling across East and Southern Africa.
Why it matters
The project addresses a critical energy deficit in regions like Rukwa, where current supply of 16 megawatts falls short of the 30-megawatt requirement. Consistent energy access is a prerequisite for Zambia's goal to triple its copper production by 2031.
The Tanzania-Zambia project reports 92% completion on the transmission line, up from 76% in March 2026. The effort is supported by a 500 million euro budget in Tanzania and a 292 million US dollar grant package for the Zambian side.
The players
AFD
France's development agency that acts as the lead project partner for the cross-border infrastructure.
The details
The project involves building high-voltage transmission lines and critical substation infrastructure, such as the Nkangamo substation which is currently 83 percent complete. Government supervisors ensure contractors maintain technical standards to enable the safe stepping down of electricity for consumer use. This grid-linking effort facilitates cross-border electricity trade, creating a more reliable, interconnected network for large-scale mining and industrial operations.
Timeline
December 2020: EU fact sheet established the 500 million euro project budget.
11 April 2025: Grant package for the Zambian side of the project was launched.
March 2026: Project progress reached 76 percent completion.
26 May 2026: Original commissioning date scheduled for the Tanzanian section.
December 2026: Expected completion date for the entire project.
Market Landscape
The project follows a strategic pattern of linking national grids to facilitate industrial growth. It directly supports Zambia's goal to triple its copper production by 2031.
Operators in the region should monitor the upcoming December 2026 completion date for potential shifts in local electricity reliability and pricing. Businesses dependent on industrial-grade power should prepare for increased supply availability once the national grids are fully linked.
The takeaway
Reliable high-voltage power infrastructure is the primary catalyst for expanding industrial output in East and Southern Africa. Keep the December 2026 completion date on your calendar to evaluate how increased grid capacity might lower energy costs or enable capacity expansions for your operations.
What happens next
The project is scheduled to reach final completion in December 2026.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional power distribution, visit our Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
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