Tanzania has inaugurated the $2.9 billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, one of Africa’s largest power-generation projects, adding 2,115 megawatts of capacity to the country’s national grid.

The project, built by Egyptian companies Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric, is designed to expand Tanzania’s electricity supply as the East African economy seeks to support industrial growth, investment and rising power demand.

The plant uses nine turbines, each capable of generating 235 MW. Electricity is transmitted through a 400-kilovolt switchyard and into the national grid through the Chalinze 1 and Chalinze 2 transmission lines.

A Major Investment in Tanzania’s Power Supply

The project is built on the Rufiji River and includes a 1,036-meter-long concrete dam standing 131 meters high. Its reservoir can hold about 34 billion cubic meters of water and is controlled by seven spillway gates, giving the facility a major role in Tanzania’s long-term electricity strategy.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, representing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque at the inauguration ceremony after inspecting the facility.

The event brought together senior Tanzanian officials and a large Egyptian delegation, including government ministers and executives from Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric.

Egypt Deepens Its African Infrastructure Push

Madbouly said the project represented the realization of a major Tanzanian development goal and highlighted the technical capabilities of Egyptian companies.

He praised the consortium for completing the project after 42 months of work, describing it as evidence that Egyptian construction and engineering firms can deliver large infrastructure projects beyond Egypt.

The inauguration also underscores the growing economic ties between Egypt and Tanzania, particularly in energy, construction and infrastructure.

For Tanzania, the plant represents more than additional generating capacity. Reliable electricity is central to expanding manufacturing, mining, agriculture and other industries while reducing constraints on economic growth.

With 2,115 MW of new capacity, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project is set to become a major component of Tanzania’s electricity system and one of the most significant infrastructure investments in East Africa.