Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in the Coast Region, Tanzania. Photo Credit: Emmanuel Herman

NNA News - Tanzania has inaugurated the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, with the facility expected to increase electricity supply and support economic activity across the country.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the plant in Rufiji District, Coast Region, on Saturday. The nine-unit facility now accounts for nearly half of the electricity dispatched to Tanzania's national grid, according to Hassan, improving the reliability and security of electricity supply. 

The government expects the additional generation capacity to support manufacturing, trade, mining, modern agriculture, public services, investment and employment. "This project has demonstrated Tanzania's capabilities. We must now harness that capacity to advance other strategic projects and build a strong, self-reliant nation," Hassan said. The project was built with the participation of China's Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) and Dongfang Electric Corporation.

PowerChina project manager Zhang Rui said the company was responsible for the main construction works, including the main dam, stilling basin, water conveyance system, diversion tunnels and metal structures. The company also handled the overall engineering design and supporting facilities. Dongfang Electric project manager Tan Jin said the company supplied all nine hydro-turbine generator units, main inlet valves and other electromechanical equipment. It also carried out their installation, commissioning and trial operation.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and officials officially open the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Coast Region, Tanzania, Aug. 22, 2026. Photo Credit: Emmanuel Herman

The construction phase also had an employment and skills development component. According to the two project managers, the China-involved construction work created about 14,000 jobs for residents. Thousands of Tanzanians received professional training from Chinese engineers in welding, steel fixing, carpentry, heavy machinery operation and surveying.

The project is also expected to increase electricity supply to households and public services while supporting Tanzania's participation in the regional energy market. Humphrey Moshi, an economics professor at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the plant could provide reliable energy for regional connectivity and socioeconomic development.

Local people wave flags to celebrate the inauguration of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Coast Region, Tanzania, Aug. 22, 2026. (Emmanuel Herman)

The inauguration brings the facility into operation at a time when Tanzania is seeking to expand electricity availability for economic activity and public services. Its contribution to the national grid will also determine how effectively the additional generation capacity translates into wider economic benefits.