Zambia Building an East Africa Power Interconnector to Cut-down Loadshedding
Imagine a future where Zambia never has to suffer major power cuts, where electricity flows smoothly from East Africa to Southern Africa and back, and where the country becomes a continental energy hub. That future is becoming reality — thanks to the ZTK Power Interconnector.
The Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) Power Interconnector is a game-changing electricity transmission line spanning approximately 2,300 kilometers, linking Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya. For Zambia, this means the ability to import power during shortages and export surplus electricity when available — improving reliability and strengthening energy security.
More than just a power line, the ZTK Interconnector is a key component of the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). It’s designed to integrate the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) with the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) — placing Zambia right at the heart of the continent’s energy network.
This massive infrastructure effort is the result of a three-nation partnership between the governments of Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
In Zambia, the project officially kicked off on April 11, 2025, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy. Key international supporters include:
World Bank (IDA)
European Union
United Kingdom’s FCDO/DFID
Regional power utilities: ZESCO (Zambia), TANESCO (Tanzania), and KETRACO (Kenya)
The full interconnector project comes with a price tag of USD 1.2 billion. The Zambia-Tanzania section alone accounts for USD 425 million. Here’s how Zambia’s portion is being funded:
World Bank: USD 245 million
European Union: EUR 30 million
UK FCDO/DFID: USD 17 million
Additional support: COMESA, NELSAP/NBI, and AfDB
Zambia is constructing over 900 kilometers of 330kV high-voltage transmission lines, connecting key regions:
Kabwe to Pensulo – 298 km
Pensulo to Kasama – 381 km
Kasama to Nakonde – 211 km
Nakonde to Tunduma (Tanzania border) – 14 km
Other infrastructure includes:
A new substation in Nakonde
Upgrades at existing substations in Kabwe, Pensulo, Mpika, and Kasama
Initial capacity: 400 MW, with room for future expansion
Here’s how the project is rolling out:
✅ April 2025 – Official launch in Lusaka
🔨 2025–2027 – Construction of power lines and substations
🔌 2028 – Full commercial operation begins
By 2028, Zambia will be fully integrated with East Africa’s power grid — ready to import or export electricity with Kenya and Tanzania.
This isn’t just about cables and towers — the ZTK Interconnector will change lives across the country:
1. More Reliable Power
Reduced blackouts and load shedding
Consistent electricity for homes, schools, clinics, and businesses
2. Lower Costs Over Time
Access to cheaper regional electricity
ZESCO can stabilize tariffs through power sales
3. More Jobs and Investment
Hundreds of local jobs during construction
Reliable power attracts investment in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing
4. Zambia as a Regional Energy Leader
Proudly positioned at the center of a connected African grid
A key player in delivering Africa’s vision of integrated infrastructure and economic growth
The ZTK Power Interconnector is more than just an energy project — it’s a symbol of collaboration, progress, and Zambia’s rising influence in the region. As cables are laid and substations built, what’s really being wired up is a brighter, more connected African future.