Tanzania has reached a significant milestone in its energy sector with the full commissioning of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), following the activation of its ninth and final turbine. The project, located on the Rufiji River in the Coast Region, now generates a total of 2,115 megawatts (MW), positioning it as one of the largest hydropower facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Doto Biteko, confirmed the development on Saturday during a government inspection tour. “All nine turbines are fully operational, collectively generating 2,115 megawatts,” Biteko stated, noting that the project had progressed steadily since the initial activation of the first turbine in February 2024. Each turbine contributes 235 MW to the national grid, cumulatively increasing Tanzania’s energy generation capacity by more than 100%.
The project’s realisation is the culmination of a multiyear construction initiative that commenced in 2019. The contract for design and construction was awarded to a consortium of Egyptian firms, including Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric, under a framework agreed between the Tanzanian and Egyptian governments. The decision to partner with Egyptian companies reflects Tanzania’s broader strategy of fostering South-South cooperation and leveraging regional expertise in infrastructure development.
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant has been constructed within the Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The strategic siting of the dam at Stiegler’s Gorge, where the Rufiji River narrows, provided a geographically advantageous location for large-scale hydropower generation. However, the siting has not been without controversy. Environmental groups, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have raised concerns over potential ecological disruptions. The Tanzanian government, however, has maintained that the project includes robust environmental mitigation measures and presents long-term benefits in terms of energy security and economic growth.
Tanzania’s government regards the JNHPP as a flagship national project, reflecting the vision of its founding President, Julius Nyerere, after whom the facility is named. The idea of harnessing the Rufiji River for hydropower dates back to the 1960s, but political will and financial constraints delayed implementation for decades. With a total cost estimated at over $2.9 billion, the JNHPP represents one of the most capital-intensive projects in the country’s history.
According to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), the power generated by the JNHPP is expected to be distributed across the national grid, providing reliable electricity to both urban and rural populations. This is projected to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels and diesel-generated electricity, aligning with Tanzania’s ambition to shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
The operationalisation of the JNHPP also has regional implications. Tanzania’s expanding power generation capacity enhances its ability to export surplus electricity to neighbouring countries within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), bolstering regional energy integration. Moreover, improved power reliability is likely to attract further foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and digital infrastructure.
Energy analysts have noted that the full commissioning of JNHPP marks a turning point for Tanzania. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Tanzania has one of the fastest-growing electricity demand rates in sub-Saharan Africa, projected to increase by over 7% annually through 2030. With the JNHPP online, the country is better positioned to meet this growing demand while simultaneously pursuing electrification targets outlined in its Vision 2025 national development strategy.
Nevertheless, operational challenges remain. Hydropower projects of this scale are inherently sensitive to climatic variations. Fluctuations in rainfall patterns, exacerbated by climate change, can influence river flow and, consequently, energy output. It will be crucial for the Tanzanian government to maintain a diversified energy portfolio to ensure long-term energy security and resilience.
Furthermore, while the activation of all nine turbines represents a significant achievement, the project’s long-term success will depend on ongoing maintenance, regulatory oversight, and infrastructure integration. Ensuring that the expanded electricity supply translates into improved access and affordability for Tanzanians across all socio-economic strata remains a pressing policy imperative.
The JNHPP now stands as a monumental embodiment of Tanzania’s infrastructural aspirations, combining engineering ambition with regional strategic foresight. While challenges remain, the project’s successful execution reflects the capacity of African states to implement complex infrastructure projects with international collaboration. The coming years will determine the extent to which the hydropower facility catalyses economic development, energy transition, and industrial transformation within Tanzania and the broader Southern African region.
For official statements and updates, visit the Ministry of Energy of Tanzania and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company.
