World Bank Grants $292 Million for Zambia-Tanzania Power Interconnector Project

The World Bank has approved a $292 million grant to support the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector Project (ZTIP), aimed at addressing critical energy sector challenges and improving regional power transmission.

$245 million of the total financing comes from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), with additional contributions of $17 million from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and $30 million from the EU.

Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, highlighted the project's significance, noting that Zambia's power sector currently faces substantial financial viability issues that impede economic growth.

The interconnector project will enhance power transmission capacity between Zambia and Tanzania, facilitating energy exchange between East and Southern Africa.

World Bank's Energy Practice Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa Yadviga Semikolenova emphasised that the project will strengthen Zambia's resilience to climate shocks.

It will also reinforce the national transmission system, enabling new renewable energy generation and expanding electricity access.