USD 1.2B African power interconnector still seeks funding

2018-3-9

 The Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya (ZTK) power interconnector project that began in 2014 is making good progress in Kenya, but other countries still need to secure full funding for their parts of the project.

The $1.2 billion project involves the construction of bidirectional high voltage power transmission lines and associated substations from Kabwe in Zambia through Tanzania and terminating at Isinya in Kenya. 

According to the East African Business, the Kenya section is fully financed and already under construction, while Zambia requires $160 million for the uncommitted parts, reports ESI-Africa.

Tanzania is also in discussion with the World Bank and the French Development Bank for $425 million financing for the remaining parts.

The 2,300 km ZTK power interconnector seeks to interconnect the three countries and create a link between the Southern African Power Pool and the East African Power Pool, making it possible to transmit power from the Cape to Cairo.

According to the Vice President of Zambia, Inonge Wina, “this project will stimulate and support new investment in power generation, transmission, distribution and rural electrification infrastructure.”

Upon completion, the project is expected to enhance electricity trade, improve security of electricity supply and foster social-economic development and regional integration.

Source: ESI-Africa