Tanzania is accelerating efforts to become a major electricity exporter in East and Southern Africa, with investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure now creating opportunities to supply neighbouring countries. The Malangali power substation in Rukwa Region is expected to play a central role by improving electricity supply and strengthening transmission links with Zambia, one of Tanzania's key potential export markets. Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi said the government was investing in the substation to position the region as a strategic hub for power trade between East and Southern Africa.
Tanzania's electricity capacity has expanded significantly following the inauguration of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project on August 22 this year by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. The country's installed generation capacity reached 4,646MW, against peak demand of about 2,271MW, creating a theoretical surplus of approximately 2,375MW. However, converting this capacity into export earnings requires adequate transmission infrastructure and reliable cross-border connections.
The Malangali substation, constructed by China's TBEA at a cost of 161.9 billion shillings, will receive electricity at 400 kilovolts before stepping it down to 220kV, 66kV and 33kV for transmission and distribution. The facility will have four transformers and eight outgoing power lines. Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said equipment testing was expected to begin in mid-November 2026, with Tanzanians accounting for 90 per cent of the project's workforce.
Vice-President Ndejembi noted that Rukwa Region required about 30MW of electricity but was receiving only 16MW, a shortfall constraining agricultural processing and mineral-related activities. Improved electricity supply could transform economic activities in the region by supporting irrigation, milling, cold storage and mineral processing. TANESCO Director-General Lazaro Twange said the project would help address electricity shortages, stimulate industrial development and create employment opportunities.