Zambia Approves New Pipelines to Strengthen Fuel Supply Security
Zambia Approves Tanzania and Namibia Fuel Pipelines to Strengthen Energy Security
Zambia’s Cabinet has approved two major regional pipeline projects aimed at diversifying the country’s fuel supply routes, improving energy security and meeting growing petroleum demand.
The projects are the Tanzania-Zambia Multi-Products Pipeline (TZMPP) and the Namibia-Zambia Refined Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline (NZPGP).
The government has also approved a shareholding structure for the new Tanzania-Zambia pipeline.
The projects are intended to reduce Zambia’s reliance on existing fuel supply infrastructure and create additional routes for importing petroleum products.
The TZMPP will complement the existing TAZAMA pipeline and is designed to transport refined products including petrol, diesel, jet fuel and kerosene from Tanzania into Zambia.
The second project, the NZPGP, will establish a western supply corridor linking Zambia with Namibia. In addition to refined petroleum products, the pipeline is planned to transport natural gas, creating potential opportunities for gas-to-power generation and industrial users.
Supporting mining and industrial growth
Reliable fuel and energy supplies are particularly important for Zambia’s economy, where the mining sector is a major consumer of petroleum products and electricity.
The proposed gas infrastructure could also support power generation for energy-intensive industries, including copper mining, while improving the diversification of Zambia’s energy mix.
The projects are being pursued as part of a broader effort to strengthen regional energy connectivity and reduce the risks associated with dependence on a single import corridor.
Zambia has faced periods of fuel supply pressure, highlighting the need for greater storage capacity, reliable transportation infrastructure and multiple import routes.
The government has previously moved to integrate the existing TAZAMA pipeline into the development of the new multi-product pipeline, with the aim of improving efficiency and increasing petroleum throughput.
The new projects could therefore provide Zambia with greater flexibility in sourcing fuel while strengthening its position as an important energy and trade hub in the region.
If successfully implemented, the pipelines are expected to improve the reliability of petroleum supplies, support industrial activity and enhance Zambia’s long-term energy security.
