By Our Correspondent, Shinyanga-Tanzania
Tanzania has written a new chapter in the energy sector following the completion of the Kishapu Solar Power Generation Project in Shinyanga Region, a project that is the largest and first of its kind in the country.
Speaking recently after inspecting the progress of the project, the Managing Director of TANESCO, Lazaro Twange, stated that the completion of this project is a testament to the firm commitment of the Sixth Phase Government in strengthening the availability of reliable electricity services for Tanzanians.
“This is a new history being written for our country. Since independence, we have never had a solar power project of this magnitude. The Government, through the Ministry of Energy and TANESCO, has made history, and today you have witnessed electricity being generated here. By March 1, 2026, a total of 50 Megawatts will have been connected to the National electricity Grid,” Twange emphasized.
Twange took the opportunity to thank the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for facilitating the availability of TZS 118.6 billion in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD), funds which enabled the implementation of the first phase of the project.
On his part, the Kishapu District Commissioner, Peter Masindi, said the project is a vital catalyst for the economic growth of the area, particularly for youth engaged in mining and agricultural activities.
“This project has brought employment to our citizens and opened a new chapter of development. Reliable electricity will increase productivity in the mining and agricultural sectors and stimulate economic and social activities for the residents of Kishapu,” said Masindi.
The Acting Manager of the Kishapu Power Generation Station, Engineer Mariana Mrosso, explained that the station will strengthen the stability of the National Grid and improve the quality of electricity access, especially for customers in the Lake Zone regions.
“The electricity generated here will increase the production capacity of the National Grid and improve service efficiency for our customers, particularly in the Lake Zone regions,” Engineer Mrosso clarified.
It has been stated that by March 1, 2026, all 50 megawatts will have been connected to the National Grid.
At the same time, TANESCO is in the final stages of procuring a contractor for the implementation of the second phase of the project, which will generate 100 megawatts at a cost of TZS 200.4 billion.
The Kishapu Solar Power Project is cited as a symbol of significant change and a major step in Tanzania’s direction towards using renewable energy in power generation—a move aimed at strengthening the security of energy produced in the country and stimulating the economic and social development of the Nation.
