A major electricity infrastructure upgrade nearing completion promises to change the way power is delivered across Unguja and Pemba.
Unguja. In the bustling markets of Stone Town and the growing beach resorts of Nungwi, few things are as critical as reliable electricity.
From households depending on steady power for lighting and refrigeration, to hotels serving thousands of tourists, to small industries running machinery, stable energy is the lifeline of Zanzibar’s economy.
Now, a major electricity infrastructure upgrade nearing completion promises to change the way power is delivered across Unguja and Pemba.
The project, funded by the government and implemented by Novavis International—a US-based firm with Tanzanian ownership—has introduced new equipment, including automatic voltage regulators, capacitor banks, and a cutting-edge Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) system at the Mtoni Substation.
Officials say these interventions have already reduced the problem of low electricity supply in many areas of the islands.
What the project means for consumers
For ordinary households, the improvements mean fewer blackouts, stable voltage for appliances, and reduced risks of costly damage to electronics.
“A stable power supply makes life easier for families—children can study without interruptions, food doesn’t spoil, and home equipment lasts longer,” said Mr Said Mdungi the director of energy in the ministry of water, energy and minerals.
In investment areas, especially hotels, the benefits are even clearer. Previously, many establishments were forced to install fuel-hungry generators, incurring high daily costs just to keep their businesses running. “This project has eliminated that challenge. Electricity services are now running more smoothly in many parts of Unguja and Pemba,” said Said Mdungi.
A technical fix with real-world impact
So far, the project has delivered 55 concrete poles, 36 voltage regulators, 37 capacitor banks, and the STATCOM system. Installations on Unguja have covered areas such as Tungu, Kitogani, Ubago, Mahonda, Upenja, Fumba, and Nungwi, while in Pemba, upgrades have reached Wete, Konde, Dodo Pujini, and Wesha.
At Upenja, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Kilangi, told journalists that the project was a response to longstanding concerns about electricity shortages, particularly in hotels and small industries.
“You will recall that there has been a lot of public outcry about power shortages in Zanzibar, driven by the growing number of investments. Yet the electricity we receive from mainland Tanzania has remained the same. That is why the Eighth-Phase Government, under the leadership of President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, approved this major project,” he said.
He added that President Mwinyi’s directive was clear: the work had to be completed quickly to address investor concerns and strengthen the islands’ competitiveness.
The STATCOM, now 99.9 percent complete, will help balance electricity supplied from mainland Tanzania, ensuring a steady 132-kilovolt flow across the islands.
Kilangi also praised Novavis “This project demonstrates how Tanzanian-led international firms like Novavis can bring cutting-edge solutions to the region, We have been working with them since last year when we signed agreements and their commitment to timely delivery and technical excellence has allowed this project to move rapidly from planning to execution.”
Preparing for future growth
Officials emphasise that the project, which began in July 2023, is not only about solving today’s challenges but also about preparing for tomorrow’s demand. With Zanzibar’s population growing and industrialisation plans advancing, electricity demand is expected to rise sharply.
The new system will reduce technical losses, improve efficiency, and allow the utility to respond better to spikes in demand without resorting to costly emergency measures.
From households in Fuoni to resorts in Matemwe and processing plants in Pemba, the project marks a critical step in powering Zanzibar’s social and economic growth.
