Total Project Cost
Investment Required
Stakeholders
Countries
Project Overview
Description
Development of a high-voltage transmission interconnection between Egypt and Sudan as the first stage of a continental electrical interconnection that would eventually follow the path of the Cairo-Cape Town road corridor. This project represents a critical first link in the ambitious vision to connect North and Southern Africa through an integrated power transmission backbone.
Objectives
Establish a high-capacity electrical interconnection between Egypt and Sudan; enable power trade between North Africa and the Eastern Africa Power Pool; create the first segment of the envisioned Cairo-Cape Town energy corridor; enhance energy security through regional integration; reduce power generation costs through resource sharing; support economic development through reliable power supply; reduce carbon emissions through optimized use of generation resources; and demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale cross-regional power integration in Africa.
Strategic Importance
This project represents a strategically vital first step toward the vision of an integrated African power grid along the Cairo-Cape Town corridor. By connecting Egypt (linked to the Middle East and eventually Europe) with Sudan (connected to the Eastern African power system), the project creates a foundation for broader north-south energy integration across the continent. This interconnection will enable more efficient resource utilization, enhance energy security through system integration, and create economic opportunities through power trade. The project is aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063 vision for integrated infrastructure and represents a flagship initiative for demonstrating the benefits of cross-regional energy cooperation.
Technical Specifications
Technology & Design
Transmission Corridor can be constructed with a capacity of approximately 16,000 MVA (4 VAC) from Cairo to Cape Town through Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia. This path is connected to the high-voltage stations in the countries where the line path passes by the establishment of voltage reduction stations (eg 1000/500 KV using transformers of 1000 MVA per transformer).
Capacity & Size
A Direct Current Transmission Line to transmit not less than 2,000 MW with 1,000 KV Voltage from Cairo (Egypt) to Khartoum and Gedaref (Sudan), as the first phase of the giant electrical interconnection grid parallel to the continental road Cairo - Cape Town which is suggested to use a mixture of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) current solutions according to the results of technical and economic feasibility studies.
Technical Details
To be determined in detail through the feasibility study. Preliminary design envisions a high-capacity HVDC transmission system with conversion stations at key nodes and integration with the existing transmission infrastructures in both countries.
Development, Implementation & Financial Details
Development Timeline
Phase I Components 1 and 2 (in parallel) 2022-2024 – this is expected on fast-track basis; Phase II 2025-2028
Latest Implementation Updates
UPDATED2025-05-27: Sudan began drawing additional power from Egypt amid outages – https://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article80609
2025-09-01 — Egypt's FY 2025/26 plan targets raising cross-border electricity export capacity to ~3.9 GW, including ~300 MW for the Egypt–Sudan link, supporting more stable supply to Sudan. [https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2025/09/01/egypt-plans-egp-136-3bn-investment-in-electricity-renewables-for-fy-2025-26/]
2025-09-02 — Government communique reiterates the 2025/26 export target (~3,900 MW) and cites upgrades with Jordan, Libya and Sudan as key interconnection priorities. [https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/212799/Egypt-to-double-renewable-energy-investments-in-FY-2025-2026?lang=en-us]
Financing Structure
MCDF has already allocated an amount of 2.7 million USD for project preparation studies. The main project financing will be determined based on the feasibility study outcomes, with likely involvement of multilateral development banks, regional development finance institutions, and bilateral partners.
Capital Structure
To be defined in the feasibility study. Likely to include sovereign loans, grants for strategic components, and potential private sector participation in certain elements.
Project Timeline
Start Date
January 2022
Expected Completion
December 2030
Development Timeline
Phase I Components 1 and 2 (in parallel) 2022-2024 – this is expected on fast-track basis; Phase II 2025-2028
Project Status History
Status 2020
Project Definition
Status 2022
Project Definition
Status 2024
Feasibility
Additional Project Details
Preparation Funding Gap
USD 0.00M
Construction Timeline
To be determined in the feasibility study, likely to follow a phased approach with priority sections implemented first.
Legal & Financial Advisors
To be determined through the feasibility study process
Market Analysis
Market Analysis
To be determined through the feasibility study, which will analyze current and projected demand patterns, generation mix, and cost structures in both countries to quantify the benefits of interconnection.
Market Demand
The interconnector is planned to have capacity to transmit approximately 2,000 MW with 1,000 kV voltage, serving the massive markets of Egypt and Sudan with potential to extend further south in future phases.
Key Stakeholders
Project Sponsor
Egypt, Sudan, AUDA-NEPAD, AfDB, MCDF
Key Parties
Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC), Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), National Sudanese Electricity Company, AUDA-NEPAD, COMESA Regional Coordinator
Investors
African Development Bank, MCDF (first stage funding), potentially additional investors to be identified through the feasibility study
Contractors & Operators
To be determined through international competitive bidding following project structuring
Risk Assessment
General Risk Assessment
To be determined in the feasibility study, which will include comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Regulatory Risks
To be determined in the feasibility study, which will examine the regulatory frameworks in both countries and recommend harmonization measures as needed.
Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact
To be determined in the feasibility study, which will include detailed environmental impact assessment.
Social Impact
To be determined in the feasibility study, which will include detailed social impact assessment and benefit analysis.
Investment Opportunities
Private Sector Opportunities
To be determined through the feasibility study. Likely opportunities in transmission infrastructure construction, equipment supply, systems integration, and potentially in operations and maintenance.
Next Steps & Agreements
Next Steps
Complete comprehensive feasibility studies; secure financing commitments; establish implementation framework including bilateral agreements; finalize environmental and social impact assessments; develop procurement packages
Offtake Agreements
To be determined in the feasibility study, which will recommend appropriate power exchange agreements between the national utilities.
Contact Information
Arab Republic of Egypt, Government of Sudan, AUDA-NEPAD – Continental Organisation, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) - Regional Coordinator, Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC), Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), National Sudanese Company
