Zambia Approves Tanzania-Zambia Multi-Products Pipeline to Boost Energy Security

Cabinet has approved the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Multi-Products Pipeline through a public-private partnership arrangement, positioning Zambia as an emerging regional energy hub.

The new pipeline will complement the existing TAZAMA pipeline, providing an alternative source of petroleum products to meet the country's rapidly growing fuel demand, which is projected to reach approximately 3.7 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the project would enhance security of supply, ensure stable petroleum prices and reduce import costs as Zambia's population continues to grow and its industrial base expands.

"The dependence on petroleum products for transportation and industry has grown significantly, and this reliance is expected to persist," Mweetwa said, underscoring the urgency of diversifying supply routes.

Cabinet also approved the shareholding structure for the new pipeline, clearing the way for investment and construction to proceed under the public-private partnership model.

The Tanzania-Zambia pipeline forms part of a broader energy strategy that also includes a separately approved Namibia-Zambia Refined Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline, together creating multiple supply corridors to safeguard the landlocked nation against disruption and price volatility.

The new infrastructure is expected to strengthen energy resilience, support economic growth and reinforce Zambia's ambitions to become a strategic energy transit point in southern Africa.