Tanzania uses EAPP platform to affirm readiness for cooperation in power sector

CAIRO: TANZANIA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the electricity sector during the 21st Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Council of Ministers meeting held in Cairo, Egypt.

According to information from the Ministry of Energy, Tanzania was represented by Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, in a meeting which focused on advancing a unified and sustainable regional power market.

During the meeting, a key decision reached by the Eastern Africa Power Pool member states was the formal selection of Egypt as the permanent host of the regional electricity market operations centre.

The meeting, chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mahmoud Esmat, brought together energy ministers from 13 member states to finalise governance and operational frameworks for the joint power market.

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Moreover, Ministers who attended the meeting also approved a two-month extension for member states to complete ratification of intergovernmental and utility agreements essential for the market’s implementation.

In line with the bloc’s rotational leadership structure, the council endorsed Ethiopia to take over the chairmanship following the end of the current term.

Speaking when closing the meeting, Dr Esmat stressed the importance of unity, cooperation, transparency and mutual respect among member states in achieving an efficient regional electricity market.

On her part, Tanzania’s deputy minister said the resolutions taken at the meeting mark a major step towards transforming cross-border electricity trade and strengthening the regional energy market.