Hassan Magulumali
The Tanzanian government plans to invest approximately TZS204 billion in the second phase of a solar power generation project in Shinyanga Region, as part of efforts to increase electricity production, strengthen energy security and support economic activities.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, announced the investment on November 8, 2026, during a visit by Prime Minister to Kishapu District, where he was meeting residents to hear and address their concerns.
Makamba said the second phase of the project would have an installed generation capacity of 100 megawatts (MW), twice the capacity of the first phase. She added that technical personnel had already arrived at the project site in preparation for the commencement of implementation.
The project is expected to contribute to Tanzania’s growing electricity supply while improving access to reliable power for households, businesses and productive sectors in Kishapu and neighbouring areas.
The second phase is part of the wider 150MW Kishapu Solar Power Project being implemented through the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO). In July 2026, TANESCO signed a TZS204.4 billion contract with a consortium comprising France’s Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS and Tunisia’s STEG International Services for the expansion.
The contract provides for a 17-month implementation period and is supported by concessional financing from the French Development Agency (AFD). The first phase, which has a generation capacity of 50MW, cost approximately TZS118.6 billion.
Makamba said the first phase had already delivered benefits to surrounding communities through employment opportunities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including road improvements and the construction of classrooms and health facilities.
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She expressed confidence that the expanded facility would generate greater economic and social benefits because of its increased electricity production capacity.
Reliable electricity is particularly important for Kishapu’s agricultural and livestock sectors, where improved energy access could support cotton processing, livestock-product processing and other small-scale industries. Such activities can help local businesses add value to raw materials rather than relying solely on the sale of unprocessed products.
Beyond electricity generation, Makamba urged women and other residents to adopt clean cooking technologies, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), alternative charcoal and electricity, to reduce pressure on forests, protect the environment and minimise the health and time-related challenges associated with traditional cooking fuels.
She said she and other special-seat councillors in Shinyanga Region supported President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to promote clean cooking energy as part of the country’s broader energy transition.
On electricity distribution, Makamba addressed concerns raised by residents over shortages of electricity poles, saying the government had released TZS400 million to support the supply and distribution of poles and accelerate connections in underserved communities.
She assured residents that the government would continue working to extend electricity services to the remaining hamlets in Kishapu District.
The expansion of the Kishapu solar facility comes as Tanzania seeks to diversify its electricity generation sources and increase the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid.
The project is expected to strengthen the region’s electricity infrastructure, support local investment and create opportunities for businesses, particularly those involved in agricultural processing and livestock value chains.
Its long-term contribution, however, will depend not only on completing the generation facility but also on ensuring that electricity distribution infrastructure reaches communities and businesses that need reliable power to expand production.
