In the face of a continuing power crisis, the government of Tanzania is negotiating with neighbouring countries including Zambia concerning the possibility of importing power.
If the negotiations are concluded successfully they are likely to lead to construction of a 330kV power line from Zambia to Tanzania. This would benefit Kenya, which is also experiencing supply shortages, because the link would connect Kenya to Zambia.
Fewer than 10 per cent of households in Tanzania are connected to the Tanzania Electricity Supply Co (Tanesco) system. Recent increases in tariffs and connection charges, introduced to help counter a debt crisis within Tanesco, have made access even more difficult. Zambia is potentially a power rich nation, especially in hydropower, but the continuing political turmoil will not increase faith in the security of any export deal.
