The African Development Bank Group has approved a $282.07 million investment to support the installation of high and medium voltage submarine power cables to Zanzibar’s Unguja and Pemba Islands, and Mafia Island in Tanzania. The project aims to expand access to clean and reliable electricity and promote the use of clean cooking technologies in these island regions.
Over a five-year period, the initiative is expected to increase power capacity on the three islands from 143 MW to 440 MW. It will provide last-mile electricity connections to approximately 465,000 people and enable the distribution of electric cooking appliances to 335,300 individuals, supporting the transition away from traditional biomass fuels.
The investment contributes to Tanzania’s national objective of achieving 75% electricity access and clean cooking adoption by 2030, and aligns with Mission 300, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank and the World Bank that seeks to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. At present, only 46% of Tanzania’s population has access to electricity, and 90% still depend on firewood and charcoal for cooking.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project will create employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. It is expected to benefit women and youth in particular by fostering entrepreneurship in areas such as retail, tourism, digital services, and personal care industries.
The project is especially crucial for Zanzibar’s tourism sector, which accounts for nearly 30% of the island’s GDP. By enhancing energy reliability, the initiative will support economic growth, improve public services, and significantly raise the standard of living for local communities.
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