Zanzibar’s Ambitious Plan to Power a Future Free from Shortages
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ) is embarking on a transformative journey to secure a consistent and reliable electricity supply for its islands, aiming to eliminate power shortages by 2028. This commitment signals a significant shift in the region’s energy landscape, addressing current challenges and investing in a future powered by diverse and robust energy sources.
Currently, Zanzibar relies heavily on electricity imported from mainland Tanzania through undersea cables. The islands are served by two main lines: an older line installed in 1980 with a 45-megawatt capacity, which meets approximately 98.8 percent of demand, and a second, more recent line with a 100-megawatt capacity, operating at 97.3 percent. Both of these existing transmission lines are now operating at their maximum capacity, highlighting the urgent need for increased generation and improved infrastructure.
Strategic Investments in New Power Sources
Recognizing the limitations of its current supply, the RGZ, through the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (Zeco), has initiated a series of ambitious projects. These initiatives are being funded through a combination of donor support and the government’s own resources, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving energy independence.
Key projects include:
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Pemba Island Infrastructure Upgrade: A significant investment of $64 million (approximately Sh164 billion) has been allocated for a contract with a US company to overhaul and enhance the electricity infrastructure on Pemba Island. This project aims to bolster the reliability and capacity of the power grid in this crucial part of the archipelago.
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Matemwe Solar Plant: On Unguja, a substantial $159 million (approximately Sh408 billion) contract has been signed with an Indian firm. This agreement will lead to the construction of a large-scale solar power plant in Matemwe. The plant is projected to contribute an additional 30 megawatts to the grid by September.
Expanding Transmission and Distribution Capacity
Beyond generating new power, the government is also focusing on upgrading and expanding its transmission and distribution networks to ensure that the increased generation capacity can be effectively utilized across the islands.
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Upgrading Main Transmission Lines: Zeco Managing Director, Mr. Mohamed Haji Haji, highlighted that existing feeders in northern and southern Unguja, with a current capacity of 17 megawatts, have reached their full utilization. To address this, additional capacity is being integrated into the current infrastructure.
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Government-Funded Capacity Increases: The government is also directly investing its own funds to augment power capacity in areas not fully covered by donor-funded projects. This initiative aims to increase capacity from the current 17 megawatts to 30 megawatts in these specific regions.
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Bambi Projects: The Bambi projects are set to become a significant contributor to Zanzibar’s energy mix, with an expected generation capacity of 40 megawatts. A substantial portion of this, 20 megawatts, is anticipated to be available as early as July.
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Connecting New Generation to the Grid: To ensure efficient distribution of the power generated from new sources, crucial infrastructure developments are underway. The line from Bambi to Uroa is currently under construction to connect the power generated there directly to the national grid. Similarly, the Matemwe solar plant will feed into the Mangapwani line, with an expected 50 megawatts to be operational before the end of the year.
Diversifying Energy Sources for Resilience
The RGZ’s strategy extends to diversifying its energy portfolio, moving beyond reliance on a single source. This diversification is key to building a resilient energy system that can withstand fluctuations in individual energy generation methods.
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Wind Power Expansion: The Makunduchi wind project represents a major step in this diversification effort. This project is projected to generate an impressive 120 megawatts within the next eight months, which will then be integrated into the national grid.
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Energy Storage Solutions: To further enhance reliability, the government plans to implement advanced energy storage solutions. Batteries will be installed to store electricity generated from sources like Bambi and Makunduchi. This stored energy will be crucial for ensuring a consistent supply during periods when solar or wind output may be low.
A Collaborative Effort for Energy Security
The Minister of Water, Energy and Minerals, Mr. Nadir Abdulატიef Alwardy, expressed optimism that these ongoing projects will effectively resolve the existing electricity challenges. He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Planning for their instrumental support in securing funding and facilitating the implementation of these vital initiatives.
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Juma Malik Akili, emphasized that the recent site visits were conducted to assess the progress of projects budgeted for the 2025/26 fiscal year. He conveyed satisfaction with the advancements made and indicated that new funding avenues would be explored for the upcoming fiscal year.
Mr. Haji further elaborated that these new projects are being realized through a strategic partnership between the World Bank and the Zanzibar government, underscoring the international recognition and support for Zanzibar’s energy development goals. This multi-faceted approach, combining infrastructure upgrades, new generation capacity, and diversified energy sources, positions Zanzibar for a future where reliable and sustainable electricity is a certainty, not a challenge.
