The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a Sh67.7 billion funding package to boost clean energy and improve electricity access in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia. The project is expected to benefit millions of people by increasing power supply, supporting off-grid solutions, and promoting clean cooking technologies.
Tanzania will receive the largest share, with Sh36.4 billion (about USD 282 million) allocated to connect Zanzibar and Mafia Islands to the national electricity grid. This will be done using high- and medium-voltage submarine power cables.
The goal is to:
Raise Tanzania’s electricity generation from 143 megawatts to 440 megawatts
Connect 465,000 new users to the grid
Provide clean cooking solutions to 335,000 households
Help increase electricity and clean cooking access from 46% to 75% by 2030
Rwanda will benefit from Sh26.1 billion (€173.84 million) under AfDB’s Energy Sector Result-Based Financing Programme. The money will be used to:
Connect 200,000 homes and 850 businesses to electricity
Provide off-grid power to 50,000 homes
Roll out clean cooking solutions to 100,000 households and 310 public institutions
Install 200 km of street lighting to improve safety and boost nighttime business activity
Zambia will receive Sh5.2 billion (USD 40 million) for Project Zafiri, a renewable energy program that focuses on:
Solar mini-grids and decentralized energy systems
Extending electricity to remote and off-grid areas
The AfDB says the initiative is part of its larger strategy to support sustainable growth in Africa. In its latest 2024 Annual Report, the Bank revealed:
African economies grew at an average rate of 3.2%
18 African countries achieved growth rates above 5%
AfDB approved a record \$11.05 billion (around Sh1.42 trillion) in financing for 290 development projects across 45 countries
In a social media post on Monday, the Bank celebrated its progress and reaffirmed its commitment to **clean energy, infrastructure, and inclusive growth**.
> “This is more than electricity—it’s about economic opportunity, education, health, and climate resilience,” said the AfDB in a statement.
This investment is expected to not only boost energy security but also help the region meet climate goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.