RicherFin · Sovereign Projects

North West Grid 400 kV Nyakanazi–Kigoma Transmission Line — Tanzania

Tanzania · Nyakanazi–Kigoma corridor · Kagera and Kigoma regions · Energy

Overview

The North West Grid 400 kV Nyakanazi–Kigoma Transmission Line is a major electricity-transmission project in north-western Tanzania designed to connect the Kigoma area more fully to the national grid. Its core infrastructure comprises approximately 280 km of 400 kV double-circuit line between Nyakanazi and Kidahwe near Kigoma, associated substations and distribution-network integration.

The project is intended to improve the reliability and affordability of electricity in Kigoma Region, reduce reliance on costly diesel generation in Kigoma and Kasulu, and facilitate evacuation of electricity from regional generation assets, including renewable-energy projects. It forms part of the wider North West Grid programme linking Nyakanazi, Kigoma, Mpanda, Sumbawanga, Tunduma and Mbeya.

Implementation remains ongoing. Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy reports the transmission line at 99% completion and the associated Nyakanazi and Kigoma substations at 29.33%. The African Development Bank published its latest implementation progress report on 3 June 2026.

Key project information

Official name
North West Grid 400 kV Nyakanazi–Kigoma Transmission Line
Status
Ongoing
Current phase
Construction / implementation
Country
Tanzania
Location
Nyakanazi–Kigoma corridor · Kagera and Kigoma regions
Sector
Energy
Sub-sector
Electricity transmission
Project structure
Sovereign public infrastructure project
AfDB project ID
P-TZ-FA0-013
RicherFin project ID
055cd0dc-d67b-419f-9387-2a55f9f1ac06
Estimated cost at appraisal
US$186.12 million
Approval date
20 Jul 2018
Expected completion
30 Jun 2027
Voltage
400 kV
Transmission-line length
Approximately 280 km

Financing

At appraisal, project cost was estimated at US$186.12 million. The financing plan comprised a US$123.39 million African Development Bank loan, approximately 66% of cost; US$44.19 million from Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund, approximately 24%; and US$18.54 million from the Government of Tanzania, approximately 10%.

The current AfDB project record reports total project cost of UA131.69 million and AfDB financing of UA87.31 million. The original US-dollar appraisal figures are retained as the baseline financing structure rather than being reconciled with later reporting without an explicit institutional revision.

Total project cost
US$186.12 million at appraisal
AfDB financing
US$123.39 million at appraisal
Korea EDCF financing
US$44.19 million at appraisal
Government of Tanzania contribution
US$18.54 million at appraisal
Financing structure
Sovereign debt · development finance · government counterpart funding