Tanzania has written a new history in the energy sector with the completion of the Kishapu Solar Power Project in Shinyanga Region, a project that is the largest and first of its kind in the country.
Speaking on February 21, 2026 immediately after reviewing the progress of the project, the Managing Director of TANESCO, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the completion of the project is evidence of the Sixth Phase Government’s strong commitment to improving access to reliable electricity services for Tanzanians.
“This is a new history written for our country. Since we gained independence, we have never had a large-scale solar power project of this type. The government through the Ministry of Energy and TANESCO has written history and today you have witnessed electricity being generated here. By March 1, 2026, a total of 50 Megawatts will be connected to the National Electricity Grid,” stressed Mr. Twange.
Mr. Twange used the opportunity to thank the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for facilitating the availability of a total of 118.6 billion shillings in collaboration with the French Development Bank (AFD), funds that enabled the implementation of the first phase of the project.
The Kishapu District Commissioner, Mr. Peter Masindi, said the project is an important catalyst for economic growth in the area, especially for young people involved in mining and agricultural activities.
“This project has brought jobs to our citizens and has opened a new page in development. Reliable electricity will increase productivity in the mining and agricultural sectors and stimulate economic and social activities for the residents of Kishapu”, said Mr. Masindi.
The Acting Manager of the Kishapu Power Generation Station, Engineer Mariana Mrosso, explained that the station will strengthen the stability of the National Grid and improve the quality of electricity access, especially for customers in the Lake Zone regions.
“The electricity generated here will increase the generation capacity of the National Grid and improve the efficiency of services to our customers, especially in the Lake Zone regions”, explained Engineer Mrosso.
It has been stated that by March 01, 2026, all 50 megawatts will be connected to the National Grid.
Meanwhile, TANESCO is in the final stages of finding a contractor for the implementation of the second phase of the project, which will generate 100 megawatts at a cost of 200.4 billion Tanzanian Shillings.
The Kishapu Solar Power Project is being cited as a landmark and an important step in Tanzania’s move towards using renewable energy in electricity generation, a move aimed at enhancing the security of energy produced in the country and stimulating economic and social development for the Nation.
