Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s recent energy sector investments are poised to reshape the electricity trade across East Africa, with far-reaching benefits for all member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP).
In a powerful address today (Monday), in Mombasa, Kenya, Ms Judith Kapinga, the Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, highlighted how the country’s strategic investments over the past three years will significantly enhance power trading opportunities within the region.
These efforts are expected to strengthen energy security and promote more sustainable and reliable electricity exchanges between Tanzania and its East African neighbors.
Ms Kapinga explained that Tanzania’s energy sector has undergone a major transformation, with investments that will not only benefit the country but also the entire EAPP region.
“The investments made in our energy sector will greatly benefit the EAPP member states in the electricity trading business, as they will have access to more reliable and affordable power,” she stated during the meeting, which brought together EAPP countries and various stakeholders from the electricity sector.
Historically, Tanzania’s electricity generation relied heavily on natural gas.
However, recent developments are marking a significant shift.
Ms Kapinga pointed to the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Project, a monumental undertaking that now generates approximately 1,175 megawatts of power.
“With the completion of this major project, we have significantly increased our reliance on renewable hydropower, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable energy supply,” she said.
This transition not only meets domestic demand but also positions Tanzania as a key contributor to regional power sharing, benefiting neighboring countries.
Tanzania’s commitment to an energy mix strategy has been central to these efforts.
Ms Kapinga stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources to reduce dependency on any single fuel type.
“We are focused on creating a balanced and sustainable energy portfolio, which aligns with the broader goals of the EAPP and contributes to regional energy security,” she added.
Rural electrification is another key area where Tanzania has made remarkable strides.
“We aim to ensure that all 12,318 villages in Tanzania are connected to electricity by 2025, and already, over 99 percent of our villages are electrified,” Ms Kapinga shared.
This initiative is set to have a profound impact on rural communities, stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life for Tanzanians.
Looking to the future, Ms Kapinga announced that Tanzania plans to join the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), a move that will further integrate the country into regional energy trading networks.
“This integration is essential for strengthening the reliability of the power grid and fostering greater electricity trade between nations,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of interconnectedness in building a resilient and efficient regional energy system.
With continued investments in its energy infrastructure, Tanzania is not only securing its own energy future but also playing a pivotal role in transforming the regional energy landscape.
The country’s efforts are expected to help improve access to reliable and affordable electricity across East Africa, benefiting all EAPP member countries.
As the region grows more interconnected, Tanzania’s energy sector is poised to become a cornerstone of East Africa’s electricity trade, offering a brighter and more sustainable future for the entire region.
