Dar es Salaam. The World Bank has announced its commitment to fund the construction of a high-voltage 400kV electricity transmission line from Uganda to Tanzania, in a move expected to enhance regional energy connectivity and stimulate power trade between the two countries.
The announcement was made by Energy Specialist at the World Bank’s Tanzania office, Dr Rhonda Jordan, during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Energy, Felchesmi Mramba, at the ministry’s offices in Mtumba Government City, Dodoma.
Dr Jordan said that the World Bank is now satisfied that the project poses no significant environmental risks—concerns which had previously delayed its implementation.
“The Board of Directors is now ready to approve funding for the implementation of the project, which had earlier stalled due to environmental concerns. However, those issues have now been resolved to the satisfaction of the Board, and the Bank will disburse funds to begin execution,” she said.
The project is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional power systems and increase access to reliable, affordable electricity across East Africa.
Once operational, the line will contribute to the integration of power markets under the Eastern Africa Power Pool framework and improve grid stability and efficiency.
During the talks, Dr Jordan also invited the ministry to participate in the upcoming United Nations summit to be held in New York in September 2025, which will bring together global energy stakeholders to discuss sustainable development and inclusive access to energy.
In response, Mr Mramba expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with the World Bank in implementing strategic energy projects. He cited the ongoing Tanzania–Zambia Transmission Project (TAZA) as another example of their fruitful collaboration.
“We value our continued cooperation with the World Bank in the implementation of various energy projects. We look forward to working together not only on this Uganda–Tanzania line but also on similar strategic infrastructure,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr Innocent Luoga, and Chief Electrical Engineer, Mr John Mageni.
Meanwhile, the ministry of Energy has been commended for its successful relocation to the Mtumba Government City in Dodoma, where all departments and units are now operating from the ministry’s new premises.
The commendation was issued by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Mr William Lukuvi, during a visit to the ministry’s building, where he was received by Mr Mramba, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr James Mataragio, and other senior officials.
“I sincerely commend you, Permanent Secretary, as well as the contractor and supervisor of this building, for your commitment in ensuring the ministry relocates here following President Samia’s decision to allocate funds for constructing these government buildings in Mtumba,” said Mr Lukuvi.
He noted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision is to ensure citizens access government services efficiently from a centralised location, thus avoiding the inconvenience of seeking services from scattered offices.
“I also thank the ministry for honouring President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision. Her goal is for public servants to work closely together in delivering services efficiently,” he added.
Mr Lukuvi further commended the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, for his leadership in ensuring the completion of the ministry’s building and the relocation of its staff.
He urged ministry staff to take proper care of the infrastructure and equipment to ensure their longevity and continued functionality.
