President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially launched the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) in Rufiji District on August 22, 2026. The completion of the Sh7.452 trillion investment disproves claims that the dam would become a “white elephant” with no practical benefit to Tanzania, according to President Hassan.
Overcoming Opposition and Funding Challenges
Successive governments maintained faith in the project despite domestic and international opposition, according to President Hassan. Conceived decades ago, the strategic investment faced challenges at different stages.
“When we make decisions that are in the national interest, we should not give up simply because the path to achieving them is difficult. We must have the courage and determination to uphold our vision and decisions until we achieve the goals we have set,” President Hassan said.
Transmission Infrastructure and Grid Capacity
Skeptics previously questioned whether Tanzania would have sufficient transmission infrastructure to evacuate the electricity generated at the dam. To address this, the government continued investing in transmission infrastructure alongside the hydropower project, including the recently completed 400kV Chalinze–Dodoma transmission line.
The line was energised on August 20, 2026, and has enabled electricity generated at JNHPP to reach Dodoma. Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi noted an immediate surge following the activation.
“Just last week, the peak electricity demand in our country was 2,130 megawatts. But immediately after switching on the Chalinze–Dodoma transmission line, we reached a peak of 2,280 megawatts. This happened within just three days,” Mr Ndejembi said.
Did you know? The project has nine generating units, each with a capacity of about 235MW, giving it a total installed capacity of 2,115MW.
Regional Energy Hub Ambitions and International Partnerships
Tanzania is positioning itself as an important link between the East African Power Pool and the Southern African Power Pool, creating opportunities to trade electricity with neighbouring countries. Mr Ndejembi said that because of the increase in generation, the country is currently in discussions with Kenya, Zambia, and other countries so that it can sell them electricity.
Egyptian Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly said the completion of the JNHPP had opened a new chapter in Tanzania–Egypt relations, with the two countries seeking to deepen cooperation beyond the energy sector. Dr Madbouly said the $2.9 billion project demonstrated the ability of Egyptian companies to undertake major infrastructure projects in Africa while strengthening economic ties, praising Egyptian companies Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric for their contribution.
“The completion of the Julius Nyerere Dam represents a qualitative shift in bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Egypt on various fronts, particularly in the economic sphere,” Dr Madbouly said.
Future Projections and Environmental Safeguards
Dr Akinwumi Adesina described the JNHPP as a powerful signal of Tanzania’s confidence in its future and a potential energy hub for East, Central, and Southern Africa. “Tanzania has the geography and resources to become an energy and industrial hub for the region. The tunnels have been built. Now let industries follow. Let jobs follow.”
President Hassan warned that electricity demand would continue rising as investment, industrialisation, mining, modern agriculture, and other economic activities expand. “We have sufficient electricity reserves today, but perhaps after three years these reserves will no longer be enough,” she said, adding that the government would continue investing in other sources, including solar and wind power.
Additionally, President Hassan directed leaders in Coast and Morogoro regions, including district authorities and security committees, to take precautionary measures for possible heavy El Niño rains expected in the coming months. She directed the relevant government institutions to strengthen conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of the project and protect the environment and water sources that feed the reservoir.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total capacity of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project?
The project has nine generating units, each with a capacity of about 235MW, giving it a total installed capacity of 2,115MW.
How much did the JNHPP cost?
The Sh7.452 trillion ($2.9 billion) investment was used for the project.
Why were power outages reported despite the dam’s completion?
Tanzania is still facing frequent power interruptions, with the government pointing to weaknesses in transmission and distribution infrastructure as part of the problem.
Can Tanzania export electricity to neighboring countries?
Yes. Because of the increase in generation, the country is currently in discussions with Kenya, Zambia, and other countries so that it can sell them electricity.
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