In a significant step towards enhancing its renewable energy infrastructure, the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) has launched a tender for a minimum 18 MW solar photovoltaic facility in Makunduchi. Located on a 41.4-hectare plot of public land in the southern region of Unguja island, the project is a cornerstone of the Zanzibar Energy Sector Transformation and Access (ZESTA) initiative. With financing from the World Bank, this plant is poised to address Zanzibar’s growing electricity demand while championing the expansion of clean energy.
Project Scope and Local Capacity Building for the Solar Tender Announced for Ambitious 18 MW Zanzibar Project
The tender invites contractors for a comprehensive turnkey contract that includes the design, supply, installation, construction, testing, and commissioning of the solar plant and all associated infrastructure. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the plant’s operation and maintenance (O&M) for an initial three-year period. A critical component of the contract is the provision of training for ZECO personnel, a measure designed to build local expertise and ensure the long-term, sustainable management of the facility. The site in Makunduchi was strategically chosen for its favorable road access and proximity to a substation, which will simplify grid integration. The project is scheduled for a 12-month construction phase, followed by the 36-month O&M period.
Tender Details and Application Process for the Solar Tender Announced for Ambitious 18 MW Zanzibar Project
The procurement process will adhere to the World Bank’s single-stage, two-envelope bidding regulations. Prospective bidders can obtain the necessary documents from ZECO’s main office for a non-refundable fee of $250 or TZS 600,000. All submissions must be accompanied by an unconditional bid security of $250,000 from a reputable commercial bank. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025, and electronic or late submissions will be rejected. Attendance at a mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit scheduled for January 13, 2025, in Makunduchi is a prerequisite for all interested parties.
A Major Boost for Tanzania’s Renewable Goals: Solar Tender Announced for Ambitious 18 MW Zanzibar Project
This single project represents a monumental leap for Tanzania’s renewable energy sector. At the close of 2023, the country’s entire installed solar capacity was just 16 MW. The 18 MW Makunduchi plant will more than double this figure, significantly advancing the nation’s energy independence and sustainability. By investing in solar PV technology, Zanzibar is actively diversifying its energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and curbing carbon emissions in line with global climate objectives. Beyond the environmental benefits, the project is expected to create local jobs and foster economic growth.
Addressing National Energy Access Challenges with the Solar Tender Announced for Ambitious 18 MW Zanzibar Project
The Makunduchi initiative is reflective of a wider movement across Tanzania, where solar power is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective solution to energy poverty. A report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Statistics Norway (SSB) underscores the significant hurdles many Tanzanian households face in connecting to the national grid. With grid access available to only 36% of rural households, solar energy often emerges as the most affordable and reliable power source for remote communities. This project aligns perfectly with Zanzibar’s strategy to improve electricity supply for both urban and rural populations, ensuring the benefits of clean energy reach all corners of the region.
