ZECO has issued a solar tender for an 18 MW photovoltaic facility in Makunduchi, a project designed to strengthen the region’s renewable energy framework. Funded by the World Bank under the ZESTA initiative, this facility will help meet Zanzibar’s rising electricity needs and promote clean energy expansion.
Details of the Solar Tender
The Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) has officially launched a tender for an 18 MW solar project in Makunduchi, in the southern region of Zanzibar. Financed by the World Bank as part of the Zanzibar Energy Sector Transformation and Access Project (ZESTA), the tender seeks contractors to design, supply, and install the photovoltaic (PV) plant and its associated infrastructure.
The successful contractor’s responsibilities will include designing, constructing, testing, and commissioning the plant. They will also manage its operation and maintenance (O&M) for an initial three-year period. A key part of the contract involves providing training for ZECO staff to build local expertise for the long-term maintenance of the solar infrastructure.
The 18 MW solar project will be built on government-owned land in Makunduchi. The site was carefully selected for its good road access and proximity to a substation, which will facilitate grid connection. The project timeline allocates 12 months for construction, followed by a 36-month O&M phase.
Application and Eligibility
The bidding process follows the World Bank’s single-stage, two-envelope procurement regulations. Interested parties can purchase the bidding documents for $250 or TZS 600,000 from ZECO’s office, with payments accepted in either Tanzanian Shillings or U.S. Dollars through designated accounts.
All bids must include an unconditional security of $250,000 issued by a reputable commercial bank. Applications are due by January 31, 2025; late or electronic submissions will not be considered. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit is scheduled for January 13, 2025, in Makunduchi, and attendance is required to qualify for the bidding process.
Local Economic and Environmental Impact
This solar project aligns with both Zanzibar’s energy strategy and Tanzania’s national renewable energy goals. At the end of 2023, Tanzania’s installed solar capacity stood at 16 MW. This single initiative will more than double that figure, boosting the country’s energy independence and sustainability.
By investing in solar PV technology, Zanzibar aims to diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The project will also minimize carbon emissions, advancing the region’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and global climate goals.
The Makunduchi solar project is expected to bring numerous benefits to Zanzibar, strengthening the region’s energy security while creating jobs and training opportunities for local workers. This focus on building local capacity is essential for the long-term, sustainable management of the solar facility.
A Broader Push for Solar in Tanzania
Zanzibar’s initiative is part of a broader trend in Tanzania, where solar energy is seen as a cost-effective solution for electricity access in remote areas. A report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Statistics Norway (SSB) highlights the challenges Tanzanian households face connecting to the national grid, particularly in rural areas where high costs for additional infrastructure like transformers are common.
Only 36% of households in rural regions have access to the national grid, making solar power the only viable option for many. The NBS and SSB report notes that solar is not only the most affordable and accessible energy source for these remote areas but also a highly efficient solution for anyone unable to connect to the grid.
This growing reliance on solar energy mirrors Zanzibar’s renewable energy development strategy, which aims to improve the supply of electricity in Zanzibar for both urban and rural populations. The country is not only focused on expanding its solar capacity but is also committed to ensuring that the power generated reaches all corners of Tanzania, including the most remote communities.
