MWE Correspondent
Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi says the completion and official commissioning of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) has significantly expanded Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity and strengthened the country’s strategic position in connecting regional energy markets.
Ndejembi said the completion of the major hydropower project was the result of deliberate efforts by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that the project was completed and began contributing to Tanzania’s electricity supply.
“The commissioning of the Julius Nyerere Project is the result of your deliberate efforts to ensure that this project is completed,” Ndejembi told President Samia.
The minister said the JNHPP consists of nine generating units, each capable of producing 235 megawatts, giving the project a combined installed capacity of 2,115MW.
Read More: Samia Officially Launches 2,115MW JNHPP
According to Ndejembi, the additional generation capacity will strengthen Tanzania’s ability to meet rising electricity demand driven by economic activities, industrial development and investment.
He said the project’s significance extends beyond increasing domestic power generation, positioning Tanzania as an important link in the development of an integrated regional electricity market.
“This makes us an important bridge connecting the wider energy market in Africa because our country is a member of both the Eastern Africa Power Pool and the Southern Africa Power Pool, through which Tanzania connects regional electricity networks,” Ndejembi said.
The minister’s remarks underline the strategic role of JNHPP not only in addressing Tanzania’s domestic electricity needs but also in strengthening cross-border power connectivity.
With Tanzania linked to electricity networks in both eastern and southern Africa, the increased generation capacity from JNHPP could enhance the country’s ability to participate more effectively in regional power trading and support the broader integration of African energy markets.
The commissioning of JNHPP therefore marks a major milestone in Tanzania’s energy development strategy, with the project expected to provide a stronger foundation for reliable electricity supply, economic growth and regional power cooperation.
