Powering Dreams
How Electricity Transformed Dodoma
In the heart of Dodoma, electricity has become a catalyst for change. Ashraf Rafii stands in his Mwambao Restaurant, a testament to this transformation. "With reliable power from Zuzu station, we've transformed from a small restaurant to a full-service catering business," he says. "Clean energy powers everything from our cold storage to our bakery."
Just down the road, Dr. Kenneth Masuki sees even bigger possibilities. At ITRACOM Fertilizer Limited, what was once agricultural waste has become a valuable commodity. "Power is everything—without it, there would be no factory here," he explains. "The Zuzu power station hasn't just enabled 24/7 production—it's turning Tanzania into East Africa's fertilizer hub, powering agricultural growth across borders."
The transformation of Tanzania's power infrastructure is rooted in strategic investments by the African Development Bank Group, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Government of Tanzania. Commonly known as Zuzu Substation, the groundbreaking Iringa-Shinyanga Transmission line power project that was completed in two phases between 2018 and 2021, has dramatically reshaped the region's economic landscape. Inside Zuzu Substation’s control room, David Mrema oversees operations at the 500-megawatt capacity station. "After finishing the transmission line project and station project, the demand grew and we managed to move with the demand which was growing due to migration of residents," he explains.
The impact has been substantial. Power consumption in Dodoma has increased from approximately 30 megawatts to 70 megawatts since the station's establishment. The facility serves as a crucial transmission hub, enabling power exchange with neighbouring countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Rwanda, and Burundi. Network losses have been significantly reduced, and power outages eliminated.
The presence of the factory has spurred broader development, including the transformation of local agriculture. "What used to be waste is now an asset - cow manure has become a valuable commodity that farmers can sell," explains Dr. Masuki. "Thanks to dedicated power lines, we'll produce 1 million metric tonnes of fertilizer annually, creating 3,000 jobs and serving markets from Kenya to Madagascar."
The impact on job creation has already been substantial. "The company now has employed around 1,000 staff, both permanent and casual, creating employment and economic growth," he adds.
For PU Foam manufacturing, stable power has catalysed significant expansion. "We have increased our production capacity in the last two, three years. We increased around 30-40% production capacity because power is stable," says Prashant Bhavsar, General manager of a PU Foam mattress manufacturing company in Dodoma. "We've recently purchased four new machines to improve our capacity by another 30-40%. This means more production, more customers, more revenue, and more employment."
The benefits extend beyond large industries to small businesses. "Reliable electricity has revolutionized Dodoma's food service industry. What was impossible before is now our daily standard of operation," shares Ashraf Rafii Mwambao, restaurant coordinator of Mwambao restaurants. "Everything depends on energy - from our fridges and freezers to our fully electric kitchen and bakery equipment. The quality standards we maintain today wouldn't be possible without reliable energy."
Regional connectivity has been transformative and there is increased drive to reach and access new markets on the African continent. "We are already supplying the Kenya market. Malawi has shown interest. Uganda has shown interest," adds Dr. Masuki. "We received calls from Madagascar, from Congo, from Rwanda, from Nigeria. It means that we need to expand."
On the journey toward renewable energy, Bhavsar offers a thoughtful perspective: "Even most advanced nations have staggered the introduction of renewable energy. They are not doing it in one day. They have developed over a hundred years. Now they're starting to switch to renewable energy. It'll take 30 years, 40 years, 50 years, but slowly, slowly it can be done."
"For any modern human being, electricity is as essential as food and clothing," he continues. "When you have increased power supply, everybody is consuming the power supply. The society becomes rich, people become informative, and they share knowledge with each other. In this way, you not only improve industrialization, but also improve the living standards of society."
"Electricity is as essential as food and clothing."
Prashant Bhavsar
Polyurethane Foam Manufacturing
"Reliable electricity has revolutionized our food service industry."
Ashraf Rafii
Mwambao Restaurant
"We've eliminated power outages and created pathways to neighboring countries."
David Mrema
Zuzu Substation
"Power is everything - without it, there would be no factory here."
Dr. Kenneth Masuki
ITRACOM Fertilizers
This strategic infrastructure supports Mission 300, which aims to power 300 million households throughout Africa. The transformation has been dramatic - from what was once bushland into a thriving economic centre. Mrema notes that "Before having the station, Dodoma had no big infrastructure like electric train stations, the government city at Mtumba, and also a lot of big residential and commercial buildings in town."
The success stories – from manufacturers expanding into international markets to local restaurants elevating their service standards – demonstrate how reliable power infrastructure doesn't just keep the lights on, it creates jobs, enables regional trade, and transforms communities. As Andrew Muguwa from the African Development Bank Group observes, "The energy access rate in Tanzania has grown from 14% to over 37% since the project's conception" - a testament to the project's role in powering progress across the entire economic spectrum.
#Mission300 #PoweringAfrica #TanzaniaEnergy #ZuzuSubstation #EastAfricanPower #RenewableEnergy #IndustrialDevelopment
