RUKWA SET FOR ECONOMIC BOOM AS TANZANIA PLANS TO EXPORT POWER TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

Rukwa Region is poised for a major economic transformation following the completion of the Malangali Power Substation, a project expected to provide reliable electricity, attract investment, boost industrial growth and strengthen Tanzania's capacity to export electricity to neighbouring countries, particularly Zambia.

Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, made the remarks during his visit to inspect construction progress at the Malangali Power Substation in Rukwa Region.

The Vice President said Rukwa currently requires approximately 30 megawatts of electricity but receives only 16 megawatts, a shortfall that has slowed economic activities, particularly agricultural processing, mineral processing and industrial development.

He explained that the Sixth Phase Government, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has invested in the project to connect Rukwa to the National Grid, address electricity shortages and unlock new economic opportunities for residents and investors.

"Today, TANESCO buys electricity from Zambia, but with this transmission line, we will begin supplying Zambia with large amounts of reliable electricity," the Vice President said.

He also encouraged investors to take advantage of emerging business opportunities in Rukwa while urging residents to protect electricity infrastructure to ensure its long-term benefits for the country.

Speaking during the visit, Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba, said the project forms part of the Government's broader strategy to connect all regions to the National Grid and ensure a reliable power supply for economic and social development.

She noted that 90 percent of the workforce involved in the project consists of Tanzanians, highlighting its contribution to job creation and skills development among local professionals.

According to the Deputy Minister, equipment testing is expected to begin in mid-November 2026.

Presenting the project's implementation report, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) Managing Director, Lazaro Twange, said construction of the Malangali Power Substation has reached 85.17 percent, with commissioning and energisation activities scheduled for completion in November 2026.

He explained that the project, valued at TZS 161.9 billion and being implemented by China's TBEA, will receive electricity at 400 kilovolts and step it down to 220, 66 and 33 kilovolts for distribution.

The substation will feature four transformers and eight outgoing power lines, significantly improving electricity distribution across Rukwa Region and helping meet the growing demand for energy.

Once completed, the Malangali Power Substation is expected to become a major driver of Rukwa's economic growth, attracting industrial investment, supporting value addition in agriculture and mining, creating employment opportunities and stimulating trade.

Beyond Rukwa, the project is expected to mark an important milestone in Tanzania's energy sector by strengthening the country's ability to move from importing electricity from neighbouring countries to exporting power.

This development will further position Tanzania as an emerging player in regional electricity trade across East and Southern Africa, while creating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation.