The Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) Power Interconnector Project has officially been relaunched in Lusaka by the three participating governments, with strong backing from the World Bank, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Aimed at linking the East African Power Pool (EAPP) with the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), the ZTK project will create one of Africa’s largest power markets. The benefits are wide-ranging: enhanced electricity trade, increased energy security and deeper regional integration and socio-economic development.
COMESA has been a key supporter of the initiative, particularly in mobilizing resources.
Under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), the EU committed €4.4 million through COMESA and the Government of Zambia in 2011, facilitating key milestones including feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and conceptual designs for the Mbeya–Kabwe section.
Speaking at the relaunch, COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe who was represented by Assistant Secretary General for Programmes Amb. Dr. Mohamed Kadah emphasized the urgency of energy security and the strategic need to diversify sources and enhance interconnectivity across the region.
“The fear of future resource shortages, climate change awareness, and the need to diversify energy sources have brought power trade to the forefront…Energy interconnectivity and increased power production from renewable sources are high-priority action areas in the COMESA region.”
Acting Minister of Finance Hon. Chipoka Mulenga and representatives of cooperating partners all commened the relaunch describing it as a game changer for the region.
Key officials in attendance included Hon. Makozo Chikote – Minister of Energy (Zambia), Mr. Robert Kobia – Deputy Head of Mission Kenya High Commission and Eng. Innocent Luoga – Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy (Tanzania).
The European Union was represented by Ms. Karolina Stasiak – EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA who was joined by Mr. Achim Fock – World Bank Country Manager, Mr. Henrik Hololei – EU Special Advisor to the Directorate General for International Partnerships and Ms. Berni Smith – Acting Development Director, UK.
Construction on the remaining line—from Kasama (Zambia) to Mbeya (Tanzania)—is set to begin in January 2026, with contractor and consultant engagement expected by mid-2025.