AfDB powers regional growth with Sh67.7 billion clean energy investment in Tanzania, Rwanda and Zambia
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a Sh67.7 billion financing package to boost electricity generation, transmission, and access to clean energy across Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia—an initiative expected to transform millions of lives in the region.
According to Energy Capital & Power, Tanzania will receive Sh36.4 billion (US$282 million) to connect the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia to the national electricity grid via high- and medium-voltage submarine power cables.
The project aims to increase Tanzania’s power capacity from 143 megawatts to 440 megawatts, connect 465,000 new users, and deliver clean cooking solutions to 335,000 households. It supports the country’s goal of raising electricity and clean cooking access from 46 per cent to 75 per cent by 2030.
In Rwanda, AfDB has allocated Sh26.1 billion (€173.84 million) under its Energy Sector Result-Based Financing Programme to help modernise and expand the national electricity network.
The project will connect around 200,000 households and 850 businesses to electricity, with 50,000 homes set to benefit from off-grid power solutions.
Clean cooking technologies
Additionally, clean cooking technologies will be rolled out to 100,000 consumers and 310 public institutions, while 200 kilometres of roads will be fitted with streetlights to enhance safety and boost nighttime economic activity.
Meanwhile, in Zambia, the Bank is investing Sh5.2 billion (US$40 million) in Project Zafiri, a distributed energy platform focused on expanding access to renewable energy. The platform will deploy decentralised systems, such as solar mini-grids, to bring electricity to remote areas.
AfDB has intensified efforts in recent years to drive growth and infrastructure development across the continent.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, the Bank highlighted key achievements outlined in its 2024 Annual Report, released in May 2025, including stronger economic performance and expanded development funding.
"African economies grew at an average of 3.2 per cent, with 18 countries exceeding 5 per cent. @AfDB_Group approved a record $11.05 billion (around Sh1.42 trillion) in financing for 290 projects across 45 countries," the statement reads.
According to Energy Capital & Power, Tanzania will receive Sh36.4 billion (US$282 million) to connect the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia to the national electricity grid via high- and medium-voltage submarine power cables.
The project aims to increase Tanzania’s power capacity from 143 megawatts to 440 megawatts, connect 465,000 new users, and deliver clean cooking solutions to 335,000 households. It supports the country’s goal of raising electricity and clean cooking access from 46 per cent to 75 per cent by 2030.
In Rwanda, AfDB has allocated Sh26.1 billion (€173.84 million) under its Energy Sector Result-Based Financing Programme to help modernise and expand the national electricity network.
The project will connect around 200,000 households and 850 businesses to electricity, with 50,000 homes set to benefit from off-grid power solutions.
Clean cooking technologies
Additionally, clean cooking technologies will be rolled out to 100,000 consumers and 310 public institutions, while 200 kilometres of roads will be fitted with streetlights to enhance safety and boost nighttime economic activity.
Meanwhile, in Zambia, the Bank is investing Sh5.2 billion (US$40 million) in Project Zafiri, a distributed energy platform focused on expanding access to renewable energy. The platform will deploy decentralised systems, such as solar mini-grids, to bring electricity to remote areas.
AfDB has intensified efforts in recent years to drive growth and infrastructure development across the continent.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, the Bank highlighted key achievements outlined in its 2024 Annual Report, released in May 2025, including stronger economic performance and expanded development funding.
"African economies grew at an average of 3.2 per cent, with 18 countries exceeding 5 per cent. @AfDB_Group approved a record $11.05 billion (around Sh1.42 trillion) in financing for 290 projects across 45 countries," the statement reads.
Rwanda
African Development Bank
Tanzania
AfDB
Zambia
clean energy
Clean cooking technologies
electricity generation
Project Zafiri
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