Zanzibar Government Commits Sh800 Billion to Upgrade Electricity Infrastructure by 2028

Zanzibar is taking serious steps to fix the frequent electricity outages that have been troubling residents. The government has committed Sh800 billion to upgrade the islands’ power infrastructure. Currently, Unguja gets electricity from mainland Tanzania via two undersea cables, one installed in 1980 with 45MW capacity and another with 100MW, both operating near full capacity. The islands face a deficit of around 65MW, while demand is growing due to ongoing development projects. The Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals, through Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (Zeco), has signed contracts with companies like Dubai-based Elecmech Switchgears to replace about 1,000 kilometres of power lines, a project costing around Sh411 billion. Four new transformers weighing 105 tonnes each have already been delivered, with installations in Unguja South and North regions. Temporary measures include rehabilitating 30 generators at Mtoni power station and bringing in a power-generation vessel supplying 40MW for up to a year. The government aims to increase capacity further, including a new 270MW undersea cable. Officials say the full improvements should resolve power outages by 2028 and reduce dependence on mainland electricity, while warning against sabotage by some former Zeco staff. Residents are advised to stay patient as infrastructure upgrades continue.