Tanzania is emerging as a key player in regional electricity trade following the completion of the Iringa–Shinyanga transmission line, a major infrastructure project backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The 400kV, 670-kilometre line connects power generation zones in the southern highlands to high-demand centres in the north, significantly enhancing domestic energy distribution while positioning Tanzania as a central conduit for cross-border electricity exchange.
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This new infrastructure is strategically aligned with broader goals for regional energy integration. By linking with existing and planned interconnectors, such as the Kenya–Tanzania and Tanzania–Zambia transmission lines, Tanzania now forms a critical bridge between the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This development allows for smoother electricity flows between East and Southern Africa, promoting energy security, grid stability, and market efficiency across borders.
Beyond regional integration, the benefits of the transmission line are already being felt domestically. In areas like Dodoma, improved access to reliable power is transforming public services and economic activity. Hospitals that previously relied on diesel generators can now operate advanced equipment consistently, supporting better healthcare outcomes. The industrial sector also stands to gain from more stable and accessible electricity, enabling expansion and increased productivity in previously underserved areas.
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The project fits into a broader continental energy strategy, supported by multilateral partners including the World Bank, Japan’s JICA, and the European Investment Bank. These initiatives aim to accelerate access to electricity for millions of people, while creating the infrastructure necessary for a more integrated and sustainable African power market. For Tanzania, this transmission line serves not only national development goals but also the wider vision of a unified continental grid.
As regional demand for power continues to grow, the establishment of such transmission corridors could pave the way for formalized electricity markets and new financial instruments, such as power trading indexes or cross-border energy funds. Tanzania’s expanding role underscores how infrastructure, when well-coordinated and strategically financed, can be a catalyst for economic growth, regional cooperation, and long-term energy resilience across Africa.
