Washington. Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Salome Makamba, has led the country’s delegation to the opening of the Powering Africa Summit in Washington, on March 19, 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s engagement with global energy stakeholders.
Ms Makamba was accompanied by Tanzania’s Amb to the United States, Ms Else Sia Kanza, as well as technical experts from the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco), the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Pura), and the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
The two-day summit has brought together government leaders, investors and energy sector stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on the future of energy on the continent.
Discussions are centred on expanding investment opportunities, strengthening energy access and advancing sustainable solutions to meet rising demand.
During the sessions, Tanzania’s delegation was expected to contribute to discussions on universal electricity access, diversification of the energy mix and the governance and development of oil and natural gas resources.
These areas remain central to the country’s strategy to support economic growth and industrialisation.
The Powering Africa Summit, held annually in Washington, has evolved into a key platform linking African governments with international financiers, development partners and private sector players.
It builds on broader initiatives such as Power Africa, a United States government-led programme launched in 2013 to accelerate electricity generation and access across sub-Saharan Africa.
Over the years, the forum has played a significant role in mobilising capital for large-scale power projects and fostering policy dialogue on regulatory reforms.
It also provides a venue for countries to showcase investment-ready projects and to strengthen partnerships aimed at closing Africa’s persistent energy gap.
Africa continues to face substantial challenges in the energy sector.
According to international estimates, hundreds of millions of people across the continent still lack access to reliable electricity.
Rapid population growth and urbanisation are placing additional pressure on already constrained systems.
For Tanzania, participation in such global platforms reflects ongoing efforts to position itself as an attractive destination for energy investment.
The country has made notable progress in expanding electricity access in recent years, supported by rural electrification programmes and increased generation capacity.
At the same time, the government is pursuing a balanced energy mix that includes hydropower, natural gas and renewable sources such as solar and wind.
The development of gas resources, in particular, remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s long-term energy strategy.
Engagements at the Washington summit are therefore expected to strengthen Tanzania’s visibility among international investors while providing an opportunity to exchange experiences with other African nations facing similar challenges.
The summit continues on March 20, with further panel discussions and bilateral meetings aimed at unlocking financing and advancing practical solutions for sustainable energy development across the continent.
