Recently, the southwestern border of Tanzania has reached an important moment. The completion certificate of the Tongsong 400 kV transmission line project undertaken by China Power Construction has been successfully obtained, marking the imminent operation of this 203 kilometer power artery that runs through Songwe and Ruqua provinces. The 497 iron tower stands between mountains, hills, and swamps, extending from the Tongduma substation to the Songbawanga substation, providing a key channel for power interconnection between Tanzania and Zambia.

203 kilometer line completed

The project is located on the southwestern border of Tanzania, connecting the Tongduma substation and the Songbawanga substation, with a total length of approximately 203 kilometers, spanning across Songwe and Ruqua provinces. The construction mainly includes the construction of 497 iron tower foundations and the installation of 203 kilometers of overhead power lines. The terrain along the line covers various landforms such as mountains, hills, swamps, and plains. The project is an important component of the Tanzania Zambia power grid interconnection project, funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency. In July 2023, China Power Construction officially signed a general contracting contract with Tanzania State Power Company, and after more than two years of construction, it was successfully completed.

Key to regional power interconnection

The Tongsong 400 kV transmission line is an important component of the larger scale Tanzania Zambia power interconnection project. The interconnection project involves the construction of a 400 kV high-voltage transmission line, starting from Iringa, Tanzania, extending through Kisada, Mbeya, and Tunduma to Songbawanga, and connecting to the Zambian power grid at the Nakonde border. It is an important link in the regional transmission corridor from Ethiopia to Kenya, Tanzania to Zambia. After completion, it will realize cross-border electricity trade between Tanzania and Zambia, laying the foundation for building a regional electricity market in East Africa. The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania personally inspected the project site in March 2026 and affirmed the progress and quality of project performance. Keywords: Infrastructure News Network, Electricity, International

China Power Construction deeply cultivates Tanzania

The completion of the Tongsong 400 kV transmission line project is the latest achievement of China Electric Power Construction's continued deep cultivation in the Tanzanian power infrastructure market. In 2023, China Power Construction signed a contract for the expansion project of the Tanzania Central Railway transmission and transformation line. In 2025, the second phase of the transmission line project of the Northeast Power Grid in Tanzania started the wire laying operation. From the expansion of the central railway transmission and transformation to the second phase of the Northeast Power Grid, and then to the Tongsong 400 kV transmission line, China Power Construction's power infrastructure in Tanzania continues to expand, covering multiple tracks of transmission lines and substations. The financial support from the World Bank and the French Development Agency has reduced project risks, and for Chinese enterprises engaged in power transmission and transformation projects, tower manufacturing, and cable equipment, the Tanzanian power grid upgrade and renovation market is in a period of concentrated release.Editor/Gao Xue