Adani Group’s $900 Million Power Boost: Tanzania’s High-Voltage Lines Set for Transformation

Tanzania is currently in talks with India’s Adani Group to invest $900 million in a public-private partnership to construct high-voltage power lines. This project forms part of Tanzania’s strategy to enhance its power infrastructure, with Adani Group expressing interest in partnering with the East African government. According to David Kafulila, executive director of Tanzania’s Public-Private Partnership Centre, discussions are progressing well.

In addition to the deal with the Adani Group, Tanzania is also negotiating with UK-based company Gridworks Development Partners LLP. The UK firm is in talks for a $300 million public-private partnership for another power line project, which is also part of Tanzania’s efforts to expand its power grid and infrastructure.

Adani Group’s Growing Presence in East Africa

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s company, the Adani Group, is actively expanding its influence in East Africa. The group’s involvement in Tanzania is not limited to the power lines project. In May, Tanzania awarded Adani Group a 30-year concession to operate the main container terminal at the port of Dar es Salaam, one of the largest ports in the region.

The company’s presence extends to neighboring Kenya as well. Adani is in talks with the Kenyan government for a concession to build high-voltage power lines in the country. The value of this project is estimated at $736 million. This move marks another significant step in Adani Group’s efforts to increase its footprint in East Africa’s infrastructure development sector.

Controversies Surround Adani’s Interest

However, Adani Group’s expansion in Kenya has faced some pushback. The company has proposed taking over operations of Kenya’s main airport, located in the capital city, Nairobi. This proposal has sparked protests and legal challenges, as well as Senate hearings in Kenya. Critics are concerned about the implications of foreign control over critical national infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, Adani Group continues to pursue its investment strategy in East Africa, driven by its long-term goals of strengthening its presence in the region. Both the Tanzania and Kenya projects represent significant steps in this broader strategy.