African Energy Summit kick-off in Dar

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania is hosting the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, an event seen as a pivotal step in addressing the continent’s energy challenges. 

Speaking at the summit’s opening on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko underscored the importance of the gathering, which seeks to provide electricity to 300 million Africans within five years through the Mission 300 initiative.

“In the 1960s, Dar es Salaam was a hub for African patriots fighting for independence. Today, we gather here to light Africa, advancing our continent’s energy future,” Dr. Biteko said. 

He praised the collaboration with global partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation, whose support made the summit possible.

The summit’s ambitious goals align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for universal access to affordable and reliable energy by 2030. 

Despite progress in many African nations, including Tanzania’s growth from 21 MW of energy capacity at independence to 3,160 MW today, Dr. Biteko highlighted the stark reality that 571 million Africans still lack access to electricity.

Tanzania’s energy sector has made significant advancements, with rural electrification programs reaching all 12,318 villages and plans to increase installed capacity to 4,000 MW by year-end. 

Dr. Biteko noted that most of Tanzania’s energy comes from clean, renewable sources, reinforcing the summit’s focus on sustainability.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has also championed clean cooking solutions across Africa, recognizing the importance of transitioning from traditional fuels. “The energy we use to cook, whether pap in South Africa or couscous in Algeria, must be part of this conversation,” Dr. Biteko said, calling for increased investment in this area.

During the two-day summit, delegates are expected to finalize National Energy Compacts from 14 pilot countries, which will provide frameworks for coordinated investments and policy actions. 

The event will also establish a Compact Monitoring Index to track commitments and progress.

Dr. Biteko expressed optimism about the summit’s outcomes, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships to mobilize private sector investments and drive equitable energy solutions. “Gone are the days when electricity in Africa was considered a luxury,” he said. “It is now a necessity and enabler.”

The summit is seen as a milestone in Africa’s energy journey, aiming to unlock the continent’s vast potential and bridge its energy gap while supporting sustainable economic growth.