Tanzania: Zanzibar Prepares an 18 MW Solar Plant for Energy Autonomy

Zanzibar takes a step towards energy independence with an ambitious 18 MW solar project funded by the World Bank. This initiative is part of a sustainable energy production strategy for the archipelago.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago historically reliant on electricity imported via TANESCO (Tanzania Electric Supply Company), is entering a new phase in its energy development. The Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO), the public entity responsible for electricity supply on the archipelago, has recently issued a call for tenders for the design, supply, and installation of an 18 MW solar power plant located in Makunduchi, in the southern part of the archipelago.

Under the contract terms, the selected company will not only construct the plant but also operate and maintain the facility for three years. A training period for ZECO employees will precede the full handover of operations to the public corporation. This project is funded by the World Bank, with support from the government of Zanzibar in partnership with the United Republic of Tanzania. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025.

A Key Project in an Ambitious Energy Strategy

The development of this solar plant is part of a broader energy plan. Last May, ZECO signed a partnership with Generation Capital Limited (GCL) and Taifa Energy to launch 180 MW of solar production in Zanzibar. This historic project marks the first large-scale local renewable energy production initiative for the archipelago.

The Makunduchi solar plant will serve as a significant milestone in achieving this goal, reducing reliance on imported energy. Solar energy will also diversify the archipelago’s energy sources, contributing to energy security, local economic development, and a reduced carbon footprint.

A Context of Rapid Renewable Energy Growth

In Tanzania, renewable energy is experiencing significant growth. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country had an installed solar capacity of 16 MW by the end of 2023. With projects like Zanzibar’s, this capacity is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.

For the archipelago, the rise of renewable energy also represents a strategic response to specific challenges. Beyond ensuring stable supply for its citizens, the Makunduchi project will support the tourism sector, a cornerstone of the local economy, as well as emerging industries.

This project reflects Zanzibar’s commitment to adopting modern and sustainable energy solutions. Ultimately, these initiatives could inspire other African regions to pursue similar paths towards energy autonomy and ecological transition.

The solar photovoltaic installers sector will grow by 15 % annually through 2030, driven by residential demand, public incentives and increasing integration into urban projects.
ACWA Power secures the NOOR Midelt 2 and 3 solar-storage project in Morocco, outbidding European and Emirati competitors, with decisive backing from Gotion High-Tech’s storage technology.
QatarEnergy has signed a contract with Samsung C&T to build a solar power plant in Dukhan, set to reach 2,000 MW capacity by 2029, doubling the country’s solar output.
Billion Watts begins construction on its first solar-plus-storage project in Australia, scheduled for 2026, relying on an international consortium and a strategy focused on the volatility of the national electricity market.
Longroad Energy has closed financing and started construction of the 1000 Mile Solar project in Texas, with a capacity of 400 MWdc, supported by Meta and an international banking consortium.
Sunrun completed its fifth securitization deal of 2025, bringing non-recourse debt raised in the third quarter to over $1.5bn.
Odyssey Energy Solutions secures $7.5 million from British International Investment to support access to solar equipment under Nigeria’s DARES programme.
The Cameroonian government launches the extension of two solar plants in the Far North, increasing their combined capacity to 64.4 MWp, with support from international investors.
Statkraft has signed an agreement to sell solar and wind assets in India to Serentica Renewables, marking a strategic refocus on Europe and South America.
Independent power producer UNITe has been selected to develop two solar power plants on municipal land in Avèze and Malauzat, following a call for tenders by the French Energy Regulatory Commission.
Solar and storage accounted for 82% of new U.S. power capacity in early 2025, despite federal measures slowing their expansion.
Statkraft France won a 15.5 MWc solar project in Mourmelon-le-Grand during the latest national tender round, bringing its total awarded capacity to nearly 70 MWc in less than a year.
Solar growth in Central Europe has doubled that of the European Union since 2019, reshaping the energy mix and boosting battery manufacturing in the region.
Canadian energy producer Cordelio Power has completed commissioning of its Winfield solar project, a 150 MW facility backed by a 15-year contract with Microsoft and a $313mn structured financing deal.
Platform Anza surpassed its 2024 volume in just eight months, responding to developers’ urgency to secure projects ahead of regulatory and fiscal changes expected in 2026.
US-based AGCO has signed a ten-year virtual power purchase agreement with BRUC, covering a 100 MW solar project in Spain, to secure part of its European energy consumption.
Canadian developer Innergex has won all six projects of the Grenier des Essences portfolio for a total of 85 MW, strengthening its position in France’s ground-mounted solar sector.
Canadian Solar unveils its new low-carbon solar modules integrating heterojunction cells and thinner wafers, achieving up to 24.4% efficiency and a peak power output of 660 Wp.
Elmya Energy and Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure have created a joint venture targeting 4 GW of renewable energy projects in the United States, focused on the ERCOT and WECC markets.
Louth Callan has completed the Mousam River solar project in Sanford, marking a key milestone in the deployment of utility-scale energy infrastructure across the United States.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.