LOWER SONGWE DAM AND HYDROPOWER PLANT
The Governments of the Republic of Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania have embarked on a transformative journey to harness the energy potential of the Songwe River, a natural boundary and vital water resource shared by the two nations. At the heart of this endeavor lies the ambitious Lower Songwe Dam and Hydropower Plant, a 180.2-megawatt (MW) project set to revolutionize energy access, economic development, and climate resilience in the region.
The Songwe River, which winds its way along the border between southern Malawi and southwestern Tanzania, has long held untapped potential for both hydroelectric power and irrigation. Recognizing this, the two governments have committed to a joint initiative that not only addresses chronic power shortages but also strengthens bilateral ties and economic
At the core of this historic project is SONGWECOM, the Songwe River Basin Commission Company. It is a jointly owned bi-national company established by Malawi and Tanzania to plan, implement, and manage the project on behalf of both nations. SONGWECOM will also oversee future developments in the Songwe River Basin, including potential phases of expansion and watershed management programs.
The project has received strong backing from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), who view it as a model for sustainable, transboundary resource management.
Construction of the dam and power plant is expected to begin in earnest in the coming year, with an estimated timeline of 5 years to completion. Environmental and social impact assessments have already been conducted, with provisions made for resettlement, community engagement, and biodiversity conservation
