Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant inaugurated in Tanzania

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially inaugurated the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in the Rufiji region. The project, which cost approximately 7.45 trillion Tanzanian shillings (roughly US$2.84 billion), was fully financed by the national budget and constructed by an Egyptian consortium including Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric.

The commissioning of the plant more than doubles Tanzania’s installed power capacity, bringing the national total to approximately 4,646MW. With a peak demand of roughly 2,271MW, the project creates a significant power surplus, potentially removing electricity shortages as a barrier to industrial, mining, and agricultural growth.

Beyond domestic use, Tanzania is positioning itself as an energy hub for East and Central Africa. Energy Minister Deo Ndejembi confirmed that negotiations are underway to export electricity to Zambia, alongside discussions with Kenya and other regional partners to connect the new capacity to regional power markets.