- Zanzibar launched an 18 MW solar project in Makunduchi, funded by the World Bank, to reduce reliance on imported electricity.
- The project will improve energy security, boost local economic growth, and support key industries like tourism.
- Zanzibar’s shift to renewable energy aligns with global sustainability trends and positions the island as a leader in East Africa’s clean energy sector.
Zanzibar takes a significant step toward energy independence with an 18 MW solar project funded by the World Bank. The initiative drives the island’s shift to renewable energy as part of its broader sustainability plan.
For years, Zanzibar relied on electricity from mainland Tanzania via TANESCO. The Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) is now turning to local energy production. ZECO is calling for bids to design, supply, and install a solar plant in Makunduchi, in the southern region of the archipelago. The contractor will run and maintain the plant for three years. ZECO plans to train its staff before fully taking over operations. Interested companies must submit bids by January 31, 2025.
The solar project forms part of a larger energy strategy. In May, ZECO partnered with Generation Capital Limited (GCL) and Taifa Energy to launch a 180 MW solar energy plan for the island. The Makunduchi project marks Zanzibar’s first large-scale renewable energy initiative, cutting the island’s reliance on imported electricity.
The solar plant strengthens energy security, drives local economic growth, and cuts carbon emissions. It will support key sectors like tourism, which plays a crucial role in Zanzibar’s economy. The shift to solar energy aligns with global trends in sustainability and clean energy.
Tanzania’s renewable energy sector is growing rapidly. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported Tanzania’s solar capacity at 16 MW by the end of 2023. The Makunduchi project and others will significantly boost Zanzibar’s solar capacity in the coming years.
The project tackles several challenges faced by Zanzibar. It will secure a stable power supply for residents and businesses. Reliable energy remains vital for Zanzibar’s tourism industry and other emerging sectors.
The Makunduchi solar plant demonstrates Zanzibar’s strong commitment to renewable energy. It highlights African countries’ broader trend toward clean, sustainable power solutions. Zanzibar’s energy transition can serve as a model for other regions seeking energy independence and lower reliance on fossil fuels.
This solar project supports Zanzibar’s long-term energy vision by offering practical solutions for its growing energy demands. With continued investment, Zanzibar positions itself as a leader in renewable energy in Tanzania and the wider East African region.
The success of the Makunduchi project may inspire other African regions to pursue renewable energy projects, fostering sustainable development across the continent. As this project progresses, Zanzibar moves closer to a future of energy autonomy, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.