THE government has outlined efforts to address ongoing voltage instability in the country’s northern regions, with a new electricity import deal with Ethiopia

Despite Tanzania’s overall surplus of electricity, regions such as Arusha, Manyara, Tanga and Kilimanjaro face challenges with voltage fluctuations, which the government aims to resolve through power imports.

Renata Ndege, Deputy Managing Director for Planning, Research and Investment at the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), said during a media workshop in Dar es Salaam at the weekend that purchasing electricity from Ethiopia would stabilize voltage and ensure reliable power supply.

Ndege highlighted that Tanzania’s grid is already interconnected with Kenya’s, enabling seamless flow of electricity from Ethiopia.

She said the initiative will involve purchase of 100 megawatts.

Recently, Ethiopian Electric Power CEO Ashebir Balcha said as part of the East Africa Electric Highway Project, electricity trials between Kenya and Tanzania were underway where the final grid testing phase started.

In his statement, Balcha said the project is supported by key international financial institutions including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and French Development Cooperative, strengthening regional energy security and connectivity.

Ndege said TANESCO also plans to expand its reach through the Tanzania-Zambia (TAZA) power project.

Once completed, the initiative will connect Tanzania to 13 Southern Power Pool member countries and the Eastern African Power Pool via Kenya. The project involves construction of a 400 kV line spanning 616 kilometers from Iringa through Mbeya to Songwe and Sumbawanga.

Other notable 2024 achievements include the electrification of the Kigoma Region, reducing reliance on costly diesel-powered generators, and progress in the Chalinze power supply project, which is nearing completion.

Additionally, efforts to resolve power supply issues in Mtwara, Lindi, and Tanga are underway, with a 20 MW gas-powered electricity plant set up in Mtwara, and strengthened transmission lines toward Tanga.

The initiatives aim to ensure a more stable and sustainable electricity supply across Tanzania and the wider East African region.