TANZANIAN billionaire Rostam Aziz’s company, Taifa Energy, and Mauritian-based firm General Capital Limited (GCL) have partnered with the state-owned Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (Zeco) to develop a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) project on the island of Zanzibar. The project aims to contribute 180 megawatts of electricity to the island’s grid.
Under the agreement, Zeco will be the off-taker of the electricity generated by the solar project. The project will be implemented in phases, with the initial phase involving the construction of a 30 MW solar PV power plant in Bambi, located in the Central District of South Unguja Region. The completion of this phase is expected in 2024.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Joseph Kilangi, the permanent secretary of Tanzania’s Energy and Minerals Ministry, highlighted the phased approach of the project. He said, ‘The project will be built in phases and will commence with the expedited construction of a 30 MW solar PV power plant at Bambi, Central District in South Unguja Region, that will be completed in 2024.’
The joint venture between GCL and Taifa Energy will oversee the development of the project, which is estimated to cost $140 million. Rostam Aziz, the chairman of Taifa Energy, expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with Zeco, emphasising that this project marks the first utility-scale solar PV project in Tanzania. Aziz commended the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority for granting strategic investor status to GCL, providing them with the associated rights and privileges.
Aziz stated that the project is expected to have a rapid impact on job creation and sustainable development in areas where there is a significant demand for reliable and affordable power supply. Phase one of the project is scheduled to be completed by late next year and will involve the establishment of the 30 MW solar PV power plant in Bambi, Central District, in the South Zanzibar region.
Aziz expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting its importance in advancing renewable energy development not only in Zanzibar but also on the African continent as a whole. Rostam Aziz is renowned for his business ventures in sectors such as telecoms, aviation, mining, real estate, and port management, and is considered one of Tanzania’s wealthiest individuals.
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