Zambia’s $268M Energy Revolution: New Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Power Interconnector to End Blackouts & Boost Regional Trade

By Francis Maingaila, Zambia correspondence for TipsNews Kansas City.

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 11, 2025) – The launch of the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Interconnector Project (ZTKIP), which will eventually extend to Cairo, marks a turning point in addressing the power shortages that have plagued the COMESA Region and hindered economic growth.

Makozo Chikote, Energy Minister, said during the commissioning ceremony that this landmark power infrastructure project is expected to transform the country’s energy sector, unlock cross-border electricity trade, and spur regional economic growth.

He described the project as a game-changer for both Zambia and the region, citing its potential to solve long-standing energy challenges while positioning Zambia as a regional energy hub.

“This interconnector is more than just a power line—it’s a solution to Zambia’s energy deficit and a step toward regional energy security,” Chikote said. “It opens the door to cross-border electricity trade and integrates us with our neighbors to stabilize supply.”

The ZTK Interconnector, a high-voltage transmission line initiated through a tripartite agreement between Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya, is designed to unify the regional grid system.

It is expected to ease Zambia’s current limitations in importing electricity from neighboring Tanzania, a challenge that has worsened during local power shortages.

“We have been struggling to access power from Tanzania, even as they had surplus,” Chikote explained. “This project closes that gap.”

Energy experts have lauded the interconnector for its role in diversifying Zambia’s energy sources and providing a more reliable and cost-effective electricity supply.

The project is expected to directly support Zambia’s industrialization agenda by powering critical sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.

“You cannot talk about economic growth without sufficient power,” the Minister said.

“Affordable, clean energy is the foundation of our development goals.”

Minister Chikote emphasized that the ZTK Interconnector is just the beginning of Zambia’s broader energy integration strategy.

The government is already pursuing similar projects with Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, and Zimbabwe, aiming to deepen regional cooperation and strengthen Southern Africa’s energy resilience.

“We are committed to transforming Zambia into a regional energy hub,” he said.

“This will not only improve access to electricity but also create investment opportunities and jobs across the region.”

In a strongly worded appeal, Chikote urged stakeholders, including technocrats and financiers, to avoid unnecessary project delays.

He emphasized the urgency of timely implementation, citing instances where procedural bottlenecks had stalled progress in the past.

“We can no longer afford delays,” he said. “What takes minutes should not take months. We must act with urgency.”

He challenged experts to ensure the project is executed within its timeframe, noting his personal commitment to be known as the “Minister of Light,” symbolizing Zambia’s transition from energy insecurity to power abundance.

Chikote thanked Zambia’s cooperating partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other financiers, for their support in funding the project.

He acknowledged their pivotal role in advancing Zambia’s energy aspirations.

“Without our partners, we wouldn’t be here today,” he said. “Their contribution has been critical to our success.”

The launch of the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Interconnector marks a pivotal moment in Zambia’s quest for energy self-sufficiency and regional leadership.

As the country pushes for improved power access, economic growth, and investment, the interconnector offers a tangible step toward a more integrated and prosperous energy future for Southern and Eastern Africa.

Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga, speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, announced a $22 million investment toward cross-border power infrastructure aimed at improving electricity connectivity and regional integration.

He emphasized the urgency of ending the power deficit that has hampered industrial growth and affected households—particularly following the 2023/2024 drought.

“For years, citizens have asked why we suffer energy shortages while our neighbors have surplus power. This investment is a milestone in our efforts to end such disparities,” he stated.

The $22 million will be directed toward building energy infrastructure connecting Zambia to neighboring countries including Angola, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Mulenga assured cooperating partners—the European Union, the United Kingdom, the World Bank, and Kenya—that the funds will be strictly used for the intended purpose.

Despite Tanzania’s power surplus, Zambia has been unable to import electricity due to the absence of critical infrastructure. The minister stressed that the new initiative aims to eliminate these logistical barriers.

The infrastructure project is also expected to unlock transport and energy corridors for landlocked countries, reinforcing Zambia’s goal of building regional resilience through energy security.

Mulenga commended President Hakainde Hichilema’s efforts to promote intra-African cooperation while maintaining strong international partnerships, describing the support from the EU, UK, and World Bank as crucial to Zambia’s development goals.

“This is not just about importing power; tomorrow, we could be the ones exporting. The infrastructure we build today will define our future,” he said.

The project is also seen as a platform for skills transfer and technical cooperation among African nations in mobilizing and managing infrastructure financing.

The announcement was made during a regional summit on energy and transport hosted by Zambia, which brought together government officials, technical experts, and international partners.

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable energy development and regional integration in Africa through the launch of the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector project, a transformative 620-kilometre transmission line expected to ease energy challenges and boost regional trade.

Speaking at the official commissioning ceremony, European Commission Director General for International Partnerships Henric Hololei described the interconnector as a “game-changer” for energy security in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The €268 million infrastructure—jointly funded by the European Union, World Bank, and the United Kingdom—will increase power transfer capacity more than thirtyfold between Zambia and Tanzania and facilitate future linkages with Kenya.

“The project is not just about electricity,” Hololei said.

“It represents resilience, regional solidarity, and the kind of sustainable infrastructure needed to unlock economic growth, tackle climate change, and improve lives.”

The EU contributed €30 million in investment grants toward the project, which forms part of its broader Global Gateway Strategy—a flagship initiative aimed at building sustainable infrastructure partnerships worldwide.

Hololei emphasized that the interconnector supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and aligns with Zambia’s national development priorities.

He also commended Zambia’s Ministry of Energy for progress made under the current administration, particularly in strengthening energy security and diversifying the country’s energy mix through solar and other renewable sources.

“Zambia is a global leader in renewable energy,” Hololei noted, adding that the country’s hydropower-based grid must now be complemented with more resilient and climate-proof alternatives.

The EU official acknowledged the devastating impact of climate change on Zambia’s energy and food systems. “Unpredictable droughts have left many Zambians vulnerable,” he said.

“This interconnector and the additional solar investments are part of the urgent response.”

The Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector is also considered a foundational component of future economic transformation.

It plays a strategic role in enabling the development of Zambia’s Critical Raw Materials (CRM) sector, particularly through the EU-Zambia strategic partnership aimed at increasing local value addition in mining in a way that is environmentally sustainable and human-centered.

Another major initiative highlighted during the ceremony was the Lobito Corridor Project, which aims to link Southern Africa with the Atlantic Ocean, diversifying trade routes and enhancing Zambia’s participation in global markets.

Hololei reiterated that the EU-Zambia relationship—spanning over 50 years—has matured into a model of mutual respect and shared goals.

“This project is not just about electricity flowing between nations,” he said.

“It is about the political will, partnerships, and economic opportunities that emerge when we build together for the future.”

The launch of the interconnector marks a significant milestone in the drive to address Africa’s pressing energy needs, with implications that extend beyond Zambia and Tanzania to the broader COMESA and SADC regions.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has approved a $245 million grant for the Zambia–Tanzania Interconnector Project (ZTIP), a transformative energy initiative designed to enhance electricity supply, climate resilience, and regional power trade in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Country Manager Ackim Fock described the project as essential for both Zambia’s energy security and broader regional integration.

“The interconnector is more than a power line. It symbolizes unity, resilience, and sustainable development amid climate change,” said Fock, noting that Zambia’s prolonged droughts have made diversification of energy sources urgent.

The 330kV transmission line will link Zambia’s power grid to Tanzania, enabling electricity exchange between the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP). The project is expected to attract private investment and drive industrial growth in sectors such as mining and manufacturing.

The initiative is the first phase under the World Bank’s $1.2 billion Regional Energy Transmission, Trade, and Decarbonization in Southern Africa (RETTA-SA) program, which aims to boost low-carbon electricity development and regional connectivity. The World Bank will also provide technical support to improve regional coordination and grid planning through the Southern African Power Pool.

The project has garnered support from several regional and international partners. The European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and governments of Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya are backing the interconnector, highlighting its strategic importance.

EU Ambassador Karolina Stasiak called the project “transformational,” emphasizing its role in building a more connected and sustainable future. “This is a powerful testament to partnerships based on shared principles and mutual interests,” said Stasiak, marking 50 years of EU–Zambia cooperation.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to Zambia’s energy transition during the event. Acting Development Director at the British High Commission, Berni Smith, stressed the need for resilient, integrated power infrastructure as Zambia faces a drought-induced power crisis. “Energy security is not just a domestic issue—it’s regional. Zambia is central to Southern Africa’s power market,” said Smith.

The UK has supported Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan and provided $40 million through the Private Infrastructure Development Group to back green bond financing and solar generation. It also backed Africa GreenCo’s deal with First Quantum Minerals to supply 125 megawatts for local use. Smith praised Zambia’s recent tariff reforms aimed at stabilizing ZESCO’s finances and attracting investor confidence.

Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission, Robert Kobia, praised Zambia’s commitment, noting that Kenya has already completed its 211km link to Tanzania. The infrastructure has enabled power exchange with Tanzania, and negotiations are underway to transmit 100 megawatts from Ethiopia via Kenya.

Tanzania’s Commissioner for Electricity, Innocent Luoga, announced that the country’s segment of the project is 54% complete, with full commissioning expected by May 2026. Transmission lines from Iringa to Sumbawanga and a cross-border link to Zambia are progressing steadily.

The interconnector project dates back to agreements made in 2001 and 2003, with reaffirmation in 2014. Once completed, it will help balance power supply and demand across borders, reduce energy costs, and strengthen regional resilience.

Construction of Zambia’s portion of the interconnector is set to begin later this year. Once operational, the project will support Zambia’s ambitions under the Mission 300 Energy Compact and contribute significantly to Africa’s green energy transition.

REFERENCES:

1. European Union Global Gateway Initiative – https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/global-gateway
2. World Bank RETTA-SA Program – https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/retta-sa
3. Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) – https://www.sapp.co.zw
4. Zambia’s Ministry of Energy – https://www.energy.gov.zm
5. African Union Agenda 2063 – https://au.int/en/agenda2063