ZTK Transmission Interconnector (Tanzania section -Mbeya to Tunduma) is an electricity-transmission project serving Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. It seeks to strengthen grid reliability and regional power trade through high-voltage lines, substations and cross-border interconnection facilities. The Mbeya–Tunduma ZTK component is a Tanzanian transmission section toward Zambia. It remained in tendering/preparation in 2025; progress on other ZTK sections does not prove this section was commissioned.
<p>Construction of a transmission line that connects the power networks of Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. This project includes the section of 400kV, 292km Iringa - Kisada - Mbeya transmission line, 122km of 400kV Mbeya - Tunduma transmission line and 4km of 400kV transmission line from Tunduma to Border of Zambia. </p>
<p>The objective of the ZTK Interconnector is to facilitate trading in electricity in the region and promote power systems stability. ZTK will effectively connect the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) with the East African Power Pool (EAPP). Its benefits are multifaceted as it will simultaneously connect Tanzania to the East Africa Power Pool and Southern African Power Pool for the first time. By interconnecting the EAPP and SAPP grids, it will create the largest power pool on the continent and will be an essential component of the North-South (Cape to Cairo) power transmission corridor.</p>
<p>Impact on energy security is immense due to diversification of power supply and the power generation mix, which will include Wind along the coastal areas, coal in Southern Africa, Hydro Power in the south (DRC, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and in the North (Ethiopia), Natural Gas (Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya), Geothermal (Kenya & Ethiopia), Solar PV and Thermal (mostly in the Namib, Kalahari and Sahara Deserts). Once other PIDàPAP power generation projects i.e. Inga III project (and Agenda 2063 flagship project), The grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Batoka Gorge Hydropower Scheme, Mpanda Nkuwa Hyropower, Ruzizi III and Rusumo Falls come on line, the ZTK will immediately give the Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe access to the EAPP and SAPP markets between Cape and Cairo.</p>
<p>The energy security, diversified power generation mix and competition, will reduce the power tariff, which in turn will stimulate industrial development, increase employment, increase access to energy and thus help in reducing poverty on the continent.</p>