Zambia’s Cabinet, under President Hakainde Hichilema, has approved two major cross-continental fuel pipeline projects in a sweeping move to fortify the country’s energy security and position it as a regional energy hub. The decision, made on 20 February 2026, marks one of the most significant energy infrastructure announcements in the country’s recent history.
The first project — a Tanzania–Zambia Multi-Products Pipeline — will link Zambia with the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam, transporting refined petroleum products into the landlocked nation as an alternative to the existing Tazama crude pipeline. The second, a Namibia–Zambia Refined Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipeline, will open a new supply corridor from Namibia, diversifying Zambia’s fuel import sources and potentially delivering natural gas.
Both pipelines are to be developed under public-private partnership arrangements. Government officials say the projects are central to reducing Zambia’s dependence on a single supply corridor, cutting import costs, and stabilising fuel supply in the face of volatile global energy markets.
The announcement signals growing momentum in regional energy collaboration across southern and eastern Africa, as Zambia charts an ambitious course to transform itself into a continental energy crossroads.
Source: Open Zambia