Tanzania's distribution network runs at 11 and 33 kV with 400/230 V, 50 Hz low voltage. Most public equipment is bought by TANESCO head office and its regional offices, and by the Rural Energy Agency through line-construction contracts.
Market research for project planning. Public procurement figures and buyer references on this page are not Trafovia sales, customer relationships or completed projects. Availability and compliance are confirmed for the proposed manufacturer and order.
300
public contract awards we found for transformers, switchgear, substations, cables and conductors in Tanzania's open contracting data for 2023 to 2026, worth about 50 million US dollars. About four in five came from TANESCO head office and regional offices.
Source: Tanzania public procurement data published in the Open Contracting Data Standard (data.open-contracting.org, publication 152), awards whose tender title matches our product keywords; services excluded; TZS converted at about 2,550 per USD (approximate). Our analysis, October 2026.
Who buys, and what
| TANESCO (head office and regional offices) | Transformers, switchgear replacements, substation extensions, cables and protection equipment |
|---|---|
| Rural Energy Agency (REA) contractors | Medium- and low-voltage line construction with distribution transformers |
| EPC and electrical contractors | Substation upgrades and industrial supply; equipment bought from manufacturers |
Tender requirements to confirm with the proposed supplier
| Technical schedules (GTP) filled in by the manufacturer | Request a completed GTP for the proposed model, with deviations identified by the manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's authorization letter | Confirm whether the proposed manufacturer can issue an authorization for the named bidder and tender |
| Type-test reports from a recognised laboratory | Request copies covering the proposed model and rating; check the laboratory, report number and date |
| Losses and efficiency | Require no-load and load losses for the proposed design, with the agreed routine-test evidence |
Import conformity
- Regulated products need a TBS Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued in the country of supply before shipment, under the Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme. Power and distribution transformers are on the regulated list (HS 8504.21 to 8504.23, among others).
- For goods from mainland China, CoCs are issued by the bodies TBS contracts for the China zone; SGS (from 1 May 2026) and TÜV Rheinland (from 1 June 2026) were announced for the new period.
- The CoC is based on test reports from an accredited laboratory, plus inspection of the goods. Confirm report availability and technical-file requirements with the proposed manufacturer and inspection body.
- Some goods, such as those for government projects or mining, can be exempted, but only with an exemption letter from TBS obtained in advance; without it, a CoC is required.
Sources: Intertek Tanzania PVoC regulated products list (2023); SGS news, June 2026; TÜV Rheinland notice, 2026. Check the current list on tbs.go.tz for your HS code before shipment.
Products for Tanzania
- Oil-immersed distribution transformers and pole-mounted transformers
- Package substations and ring main units
- MV XLPE cables and overhead conductors
Prepare the project scope
- Prepare the BOQ, specification or tender document
- Confirm the proposed configuration, document availability and quotation schedule with the supplier
- Agree drawing approval, testing, inspection and release requirements in the order scope
- Confirm delivery terms, routing and applicable import documents before agreeing the order