Tanzania Inaugurates $2.9bn Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant Built by Egyptian Consortium

Plant Specifications and Construction Details

The infrastructure project sits along the Rufiji River inland from Dar es Salaam and was constructed by an Egyptian consortium comprising Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric. According to Rio Times coverage, construction on the project ran from June 2019 to completion in March 2025. The main concrete dam extends 1,036 meters in length and stands 131 meters high. It features a crest bridge connecting the banks of the Rufiji River and retains a reservoir capacity of 34 bn cubic metres of water managed by seven spillway gates. The power plant incorporates nine massive water turbines producing 235 megawatts each to achieve the total 2,115-megawatt capacity. According to Rio Times, Tanzania financed the project entirely from its own national budget at a stated cost of Sh7.452 trillion, equating to approximately $2.8 billion, rather than through foreign loans. About 12,000 people worked on the site during construction, including 1,700 Egyptian engineers and technicians. By May 31, 2026, the facility had already supplied about 44.9 percent of the electricity fed into the national grid over the preceding year, according to Rio Times.

Regional Diplomacy and Economic Bilateral Ties

During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Madbouly stated that the giant structure stands as a witness to strong Tanzanian will and Egyptian technical capabilities, reinforcing a shared political awareness of sustainable development. Madbouly addressed regional water politics during his remarks, stating that the project refutes claims that Egypt opposes development in Nile Basin countries, while maintaining that Cairo will safeguard its rights in the river. The inauguration coincided with heightened regional discussions surrounding Nile infrastructure. Just days prior, on August 20, 2026, Ethiopia’s water and energy minister stated his country would build further dams whenever necessary, following remarks from Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty that Cairo would not allow additional dams on the river. Madbouly also called on both nations to capitalize on the project’s momentum to increase trade rates and mutual investments, building on groundwork laid during President Al-Sisi’s visit to Dar es Salaam on July 18, 2026. That visit featured intensive business meetings exploring opportunities in construction, roads, ports, logistics zones, agriculture, fishing, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Furthermore, Madbouly expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s balanced positions on regional files, stating Egypt’s hope to strengthen Tanzania’s constructive role among Nile Basin countries. The opening ceremony brought together high-ranking officials from both nations.