A major new power substation in the Coast Region is expected to drive industrial development and attract investment by significantly improving electricity supply reliability. The Mlandizi Power Substation, built through a partnership between the Tanzanian government and France's Development Agency, began operating at full capacity on September 30, 2026, according to the Coast Regional Commissioner, Stanslaus Nyongo.
The 16 billion shilling facility features 11 electricity distribution lines and will serve as a cornerstone for industrial parks and commercial activities in the region. During a visit to Kibaha District Council, Mr Nyongo described the substation's completion as evidence of the government's commitment to improving electricity access for residents and investors. He added that the infrastructure upgrade sends a positive message to both local and foreign investors considering establishing operations in the Coast Region.
The substation more than doubles the electricity capacity available to the region. According to Engineer Mbaraka Zonga, who presented the project report, the facility receives 132-kilovolt electricity from Ubungo and Chalinze before stepping it down to 33 kilovolts for distribution to customers. The new installation includes transformers with a capacity of 60 megavoltamperes, equivalent to 110 megawatts, increasing the station's total capacity from 100 megawatts at the previous facility to 220 megawatts.
Reducing power outages is a priority as the region prepares for potential challenges during El Niño rains. Mr Nyongo noted that preparations to reinforce electricity infrastructure are ongoing, including phased replacement of old wooden electricity poles with concrete ones. The commissioner emphasised that the substation is part of broader efforts to strengthen the region's energy infrastructure and improve preparedness for weather-related disruptions.
For savers, borrowers and business owners in Tanzania's Coast Region, the doubled electricity capacity means lower costs from reduced outages and greater confidence that industrial investments will have reliable power supply.