Tanzania's Power Infrastructure Under Threat: Copper Theft Epidemic Contributes to Sh700.5 Million Losses

Vandalism of transformers by individuals dismantling them to extract copper wires sold on the black market has resulted in significant losses for the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco). In the period between January and December 2024, 63 transformers were targeted, with Mkuranga District in the Coast Region accounting for 36 incidents. The losses amount to Sh700.5 million, with an additional Sh62 million incurred in three more cases between January and June 2025. Tanesco's senior security officer, Mr Richard Damas, attributed the attacks to individuals orchestrating the dismantling of transformers to extract copper wires sold on the black market. The targeted attacks not only result in financial losses but also pose a grave risk to lives and services, with two fatal incidents reported in Morogoro and Mkuranga.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 63 transformers were vandalized between January and December 2024, with the majority of incidents occurring in Mkuranga District, accounting for 36 cases.
• The vandalism resulted in losses totaling Sh700.5 million, with an additional Sh62 million incurred in three more cases between January and June 2025.
• The targeted attacks are orchestrated by individuals dismantling transformers to extract copper wires sold on the black market.
• The destruction of power infrastructure poses a grave risk to lives and services, with two fatal incidents reported in Morogoro and Mkuranga.
• Most incidents occur in remote areas near industrial zones or sparsely populated villages where surveillance is limited and emergency response times are slow.
• A joint security operation led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to the crimes, with their cases pending before the courts.
• Tanesco has instructed all village and neighbourhood leaders to insist on official communication before any transformer maintenance is undertaken and report any suspicious activity to be reported to Tanesco immediately.

Statistics:

• 63 transformers were vandalized between January and December 2024.
• 36 incidents occurred in Mkuranga District.
• The losses amount to Sh700.5 million.
• An additional Sh62 million was incurred in three more cases between January and June 2025.
• Two fatal incidents were reported in Morogoro and Mkuranga.
• Eight suspects were apprehended and are currently facing legal proceedings.

Sources:

• The Citizen, "Tanesco Suffers Losses Totaling Sh700.5 Million after Copper Theft Epidemic" (author and date not specified)
• Mwananchi, "Tanesco's Senior Security Officer on the perils of Copper Theft" (author and date not specified)
• The Citizen, "Economists Weigh in on the Economic Impact of Power Infrastructure Vandalism" (author and date not specified)
• Interview with Dr. Gibson Kihalala, Economist (author and date not specified)
• Interview with Mr. Rogatus Moshi, Economist (author and date not specified)