Dar es Salaam. In a bold move that positions Tanzania at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared a powerful commitment to energy security and sustainability.
As the nation gears up for a revolutionary year ahead, all eyes are on Dar es Salaam, where ambitious initiatives are about to take center stage.
At the dazzling New Year Diplomatic Sherry Party hosted at the State House on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, President Samia electrified the room with her vision for the country’s energy future.
The highlight? Later this month, Tanzania will host the highly anticipated African Heads of State Energy Summit, centered around the groundbreaking Mission 300 initiative—an ambitious plan to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
“This is not just a summit; it’s a rallying cry for Africa!” President Samia declared, energizing her audience.
“The Africa Energy Summit will be the crucible for collaboration, innovation, and resource mobilization. We are not just discussing energy; we are igniting the future of Africa!”
With strategic partnerships alongside powerhouses like the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the African Union, the summit promises to be a game-changer.
Leaders, policymakers, and energy experts will converge to brainstorm innovative solutions to the continent’s most pressing energy challenges.
The timing couldn’t be more critical.
As President Samia noted, Tanzania is on the brink of a new energy era, with the monumental 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project nearing completion.
“This project is not just about power; it’s about empowering our people,” she emphasized, signaling a new dawn for national energy security.
Adding to this momentum, Tanzania is set to integrate 30 megawatts of geothermal energy into its national grid by 2026/2027, according to Dr Khatibu Kazungu, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.
This significant stride not only enhances the nation’s energy mix but also positions Tanzania as a leader in geothermal development in the region.
But that’s just the beginning.
Tanzania is diving headfirst into regional integration, with energy transmission trials already underway to connect with the East African Power Pool (EAPP) and Kenya.
This ambitious step not only strengthens regional ties but also positions Tanzania as a vital energy hub in East Africa.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Plans are also in motion to link Tanzania’s grid to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) via Zambia, positioning the country as a key player in cross-border energy trade.
This strategic move is set to unleash a wave of energy collaboration across the region.
Tanzania is also leading the charge with two interstate energy generation projects: the Kikagati-Morongo hydropower project along the Kagera River with Uganda and the upcoming Rusumo hydropower project, a collaborative effort with Burundi and Rwanda.
“Together, we can light up the continent!” President Samia declared, showcasing Tanzania’s commitment to enhancing energy access beyond its borders.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Kombo, took a moment to thank the diplomatic community for their steadfast support in strengthening Tanzania’s global partnerships.
He praised President Samia’s visionary leadership and underscored the nation’s growing role in fostering regional integration and sustainable development.
Reflecting on the fruitful dialogues held throughout 2024, Minister Kombo highlighted discussions on essential issues such as security, political stability, civil rights, and foreign investment policies—critical pillars for a prosperous future.
As Tanzania prepares to step into the spotlight, the world holds its breath in anticipation.
Will this vibrant nation truly become the heartbeat of Africa’s energy revolution? The answer is just around the corner, and the stakes have never been higher.
