Zambian energy firm Kanona Power Co. has announced plans to build a $100 million high-voltage transmission line connecting Zambia and Tanzania, creating the first direct electricity link between the two countries. The project is aimed at boosting regional power trade and providing additional electricity for Zambia’s energy-intensive mining sector, according to Bloomberg.
The transmission line will run from Mwakibete in southwestern Tanzania to Nakonde on the Zambian border, offering a direct corridor for electricity imports and strengthening Zambia’s grid resilience. Kanona expects construction to be completed within about one year and says the link will complement other regional initiatives, including World Bank-backed interconnector projects, to improve electricity security in the region, particularly after the 2024 drought reduced hydropower output.
The company said the project will help Zambia diversify its electricity sources, reduce reliance on domestic generation shortfalls, and support economic growth by ensuring more reliable power for industry and households. Analysts note that the interconnector could also pave the way for expanded regional power trade between Southern and East Africa, enhancing energy integration across the continent, as reported by Mining.com.
