Tanzania positions as energy hub with 2,636MW power surplus

Tanzania is positioning itself as a significant electricity supplier in East Africa, boasting a surplus of 2,636 megawatts after the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) boosted national generation capacity. The JNHPP alone added 2,115 megawatts, bringing the country's total generation capacity to approximately 4,646 megawatts, which significantly surpasses the peak demand of about 2,010 megawatts.

The nation is preparing for the official inauguration of the JNHPP on August 22, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan scheduled to launch the project in the Rufiji district. This development follows a recent agreement signed in May between Tanzanian Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi and Kenyan counterpart Opiyo Wandayi to enhance electricity trade between the two countries, an agreement witnessed by their respective presidents.

The Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) is also working to bolster regional electricity interconnections and cross-border power trading. The JNHPP's completion has dramatically altered Tanzania's energy landscape, enhancing its ability to meet domestic demand and strengthening energy security. Minister Ndejembi highlighted this as a major step, alongside other government initiatives to expand generation, reinforce the national grid, and broaden electricity services.

Currently, the government's focus is on strengthening the national grid to ensure the generated surplus electricity reaches consumers. Projects like the 400kV Chalinze-Dodoma transmission line are underway. The JNHPP has already proven to be a vital contributor, generating nearly half of the electricity fed into the national grid in the preceding year. The project, completed in March 2025, represents a substantial investment of approximately Sh7.4 trillion, financed entirely by the Tanzanian government, and employed about 12,000 people during its construction, with 99% being Tanzanian nationals.

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This is a major step towards increasing the country’s capacity to meet electricity demand and strengthening energy security, alongside other government efforts to increase generation, strengthen the national grid and expand electricity services.