RETRADE-SA MPA Phase 4: Zambia - Malawi Interconnector Project

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Country:

Zambia

Name of Project:

RETRADE-SA MPA Phase 4: Zambia - Malawi Interconnector Project

Sector:

Energy Sector

Grant No:

E74110-ZM

Project ID No:

P515018

Grant No.: IDA Grant No. E74110-ZM; EU trust fund Grant No.: anticipated, subject to formal confirmation

The Republic of Zambia is to receive an IDA grant of US$43 million equivalent towards the cost of the RETRADE-SA MPA Phase 4: Zambia–Malawi Interconnector Project. An EU grant of US$10 million through a World Bank-administered trust fund is anticipated, subject to formal confirmation. The Republic of Zambia intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, works, non-consulting services and consulting services to be procured under this project. The project comprises two components. Component 1: Transmission Infrastructure. Sub-component 1.1 includes the design, supply and installation of approximately 46.6 km of 400 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line, including associated telecommunications facilities, from Chipata West Substation to the Zambia–Malawi border. Sub-component 1.2 includes the design, supply and installation of a new 400 kV switchyard adjacent to the existing Chipata West Substation, with 400 kV line bays, 400/330 kV transformation, shunt reactors, associated protection, control, metering and telecommunications systems, and provision for future bays. The detailed configuration will be confirmed before the bidding documents are finalized. The Malawi segment is financed separately and is not part of this project. Component 2: Project Management and Technical Assistance includes PIU support, an Owner’s Engineer, individual consultants, technical assistance on power trade frameworks, operation and maintenance preparedness and preparation of future transmission projects, and training and capacity building. Additional procurement activities may be identified during implementation and reflected in the Procurement Plan. The major anticipated procurement activities are as follows: Works – open international competitive procurement using Requests for Bids (RfB): (1) Design, Supply and Installation of the 400 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line (Sub-component 1.1) – indicative RfB issue 3rd quarter of 2027; and (2) Design, Supply and Installation of the new 400 kV switchyard at Chipata West (Sub-component 1.2) – indicative RfB issue 4th quarter of 2027. The two packages will be procured as separate contracts. Consulting services: the Owner’s Engineer, planned to be selected through limited international competition without a public Request for Expressions of Interest. Other consulting assignments will be procured in accordance with the agreed Procurement Plan, with public notices issued where required by the applicable selection method. Procurement will be conducted in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, September 2025 (7th edition). Specific procurement notices will be published, as they become available, through publication channels to be confirmed. Interested eligible bidders and consulting firms who wish to be included on the mailing list, or who require additional information, should contact ZESCO at the address below during office hours, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (CAT).

Office:

The Managing Director

(Attention: Director Procurement)

Address:

ZESCO Limited , Stand No. 6949, Great East Road, P. O. Box 33304 Lusaka, Zambia

Floor-Room number:

3rd Floor – ZESCO Head Quarters

City:

Lusaka, Zambia

Email:

ZHamalambo@zesco.co.zm; matthew.ndhlovu@zesco.co.zm; lnyirenda@zesco.co.zm; and hmulapani@zesco.co.zm

Website:

www.zesco.co.zm