Home » Tanzania’s ETDCO completes Tabora–Ipole power line

Tanzania’s ETDCO completes Tabora–Ipole power line

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Home » Tanzania’s ETDCO completes Tabora–Ipole power line
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 22: Transmission towers near the CenterPoint Energy facility on December 22, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott and state officials have begun warning residents to prepare for subfreezing temperatures as a cold front looms over the state of Texas. ERCOT (The Electric Reliability Council of Texas) and the Public Utility Council have assured residents that the power grid will remain stable amidst freezing conditions. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

The Electricity Transmission and Distribution Construction and Rehabilitation Company (ETDCO) has completed the construction of a 132kV transmission line from Tabora to Ipole. Covering 102 kilometres, the Tabora–Ipole power line is expected to improve electricity reliability for residents of Sikonge District and support local economic development.

Tabora–Ipole power line’s project factsheet

  • Project name: Tabora–Ipole Transmission Line

  • Developer: ETDCO

  • Client: TANESCO (Tanzania Electric Supply Company)

  • Length: 102 kilometres

  • Voltage: 132kV

  • Cost: Part of the Sh161 billion Tabora–Katavi Project

  • Capacity: 12 megawatts for Sikonge District

  • Commissioned: 28 April 2025

  • Next phase: Ipole to Mlele District (133 kilometres)

Speaking during the commissioning event in Tabora Region, ETDCO’s Acting General Manager, Mr Sadock Mugendi, confirmed that the project had been completed fully. He said residents in Sikonge District would now enjoy a more stable electricity supply.

Mr Mugendi thanked the government and the Ministry of Energy, through TANESCO, for trusting ETDCO with the project. Moreover, he noted that final preparations were underway to complete the next phase from Ipole to Mlele District in Katavi Region, which will cover about 133 kilometres.

In addition, he urged citizens to protect the new infrastructure. He pointed out that the government had made a heavy investment to ensure long-term benefits for the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Sospeter Oralo, the Project Manager from TANESCO, said the wider Tabora–Katavi project had cost around Sh161 billion. He explained that the completion of the first phase would allow Sikonge District to receive up to 12 megawatts of power through the new Tabora–Ipole power line.

READ ALSO: Nigeria signs $328.8 million electricity transmission deal with China to boost power grid

Tanzania’s progress in power distribution

Tanzania has made steady progress in improving its power grid. Recent investments, like the Tabora–Ipole power line, are part of a broader plan to expand electricity access across the country. Also, the government earlier launched the Rural Energy Expansion Programme to connect more remote areas to the national grid.

Projects like the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station are expected to further strengthen Tanzania’s energy mix by adding more renewable electricity.

However, challenges such as high project costs and delays still affect the sector. Despite these hurdles, Tanzania continues to invest heavily to ensure reliable power reaches more people.

Tanzania plays an important role in regional energy cooperation. It is a member of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), which promotes cross-border electricity trade. Tanzania is currently working on projects that will link its grid with Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda.

Notably, the Tanzania–Zambia Power Interconnector is expected to create more stable energy flows between Southern and Eastern Africa. These efforts aim to improve energy security across the region and lower electricity costs in the long term.

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