Eskom has highlighted cross-border grid expansion as a priority for regional energy security following the 65th Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) management committee meeting on September 5.
The meeting confirmed timelines to connect the last three SAPP member states that remain isolated from the regional grid:
- Malawi by the end of 2025
- Tanzania and Angola by 2028
The physical integration of these countries will enable shared generation resources and lower system costs and improve reliability across Southern Africa.
“If each country builds enough generation to meet its own peak demand, the costs are very high. A connected grid allows countries to share resources, reducing the need for excess generation capacity,” said Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré.
She also underscored the importance of independent transmission participation, which will help fund and accelerate construction of cross-border transmission projects. “A stronger grid backbone will allow independent power producers to sell renewable and gas power across borders, deepening the regional electricity market.”
This expansion follows the launch of a US$1,3 billion regional transmission financing facility in 2024 and the licensing of South Africa’s first private trader for cross-border electricity trade earlier this year.
