Gridworks has reached financial close on the US$50m Amari Power Transmission project (“Amari”) in Uganda, marking a major landmark for the project and for electricity infrastructure investment on the continent.
Amari is the first Independent Transmission Project (“ITP”) to reach this milestone. The project has been developed by Gridworks in close collaboration with the Government of Uganda and UETCL, the national transmission utility.
Gridworks is a specialist transmission and distribution developer owned by British International Investment, the UK Government’s development finance institution. Gridworks is developing a portfolio of ITPs in Africa, alongside investments in the wider electricity utility sector.
Amari will upgrade the transforming capacity of four high-voltage substations at key locations on the country’s national grid. The project will improve the reliability and quality of electricity supply to industrial users, supporting the Government of Uganda’s ambitions to strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and drive economic growth. It will also support the integration of additional generation, prepare the network for regional power trade, and reduce system losses, improving overall resilience.
Today’s announcement confirms the progress outlined earlier this year, when Gridworks and the Ugandan authorities signed implementation and transmission services agreements. Financial close allows construction to begin, with Siemens Energy appointed as EPC contractor and commissioning expected in 2028.
Welcoming the news, Chris Flavin, Gridworks CEO said:
“I am very pleased to announce this project has reached financial close. We are grateful to the government of Uganda for its leadership in promoting and supporting the ITP model in Uganda, and for the constructive partnership that has made this project possible.
“Amari demonstrates how governments and private investors can work together to unlock capital for critical grid infrastructure. It is the first of its type to reach financial close on the continent, but there are now many more ITPs in development. Access to this type of financing is essential to meeting infrastructure development targets. Gridworks is proud to be at the forefront of this new market in Africa.”
H.E. Lisa Chesney, The British High Commissioner to Uganda, said:
“The achievement of financial close for the Amari Power Transmission Project is a landmark moment for Uganda and for Africa’s energy sector. It demonstrates the strength of partnership between the Government of Uganda, UETCL, and international investors such as Gridworks, backed by British International Investment. The United Kingdom is proud to support this pioneering Independent Transmission Project, which will strengthen Uganda’s electricity infrastructure, enhance industrial competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. We look forward to seeing the Amari Project set a precedent for future investment in transmission across the continent.”
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa, at BII, said:
“ I am delighted that Gridworks is pioneering an innovative approach to transmission financing in Africa starting in Uganda with Amari Power. I believe this will be a pathway for financing more transmission projects across Africa”.
Gridworks’ portfolio of ITPs in development includes LTEC, a US$450m, 460km high voltage transmission line connecting central & northern regions of Mozambique; Mbale-Bulambuli, a project building 80km of high-voltage lines and two new substations in eastern Uganda; and Degehabur–Kebridehar and Hurso–Ayisha, projects in Ethiopia covering 400Km and with a combined value of around US$400 million. Gridworks is also part of the Pulse Infrastructure consortium, which was selected in December 2025 for the prequalification phase of South Africa’s inaugural ITP programme.
The Gridworks portfolio also includes Moyi Power, a greenfield, solar-powered utility that will provide electricity to a million people in three cities in DRC; and distributed utility companies, Sustainable Power Solutions and Anzana Electric Group.