ARUSHA: MINISTER for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, has urged East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries to strengthen their energy efficiency policies and regulatory frameworks to achieve regional development goals.
Dr Jafo emphasised the importance of governments enhancing and implementing robust policies that promote energy efficiency across all sectors.
He made these remarks while closing a three-day Regional Energy Efficiency Conference in Arusha over the weekend.
He highlighted that energy efficiency is crucial for economic growth, industrial competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
“This includes setting clear energy efficiency targets, creating incentives for businesses and individuals and ensuring that these policies are integrated into broader national development plans. A good example is Tanzania’s recently launched energy efficiency strategy,” he said.
Dr Jafo also called for the promotion of public-private partnerships, recognising that collaboration between the two sectors is essential for the success of energy efficiency initiatives, including investment in energy-efficient technology, infrastructure and services.
He stressed the need for capacity building through training, skills development and raising awareness to build local expertise in energy efficiency, which is vital for the region’s energy transition.
“Let’s foster regional cooperation on energy efficiency to find joint solutions. EAC and SADC countries should continue to work together and support each other in scaling up energy-efficient initiatives,” he said.
Dr Jafo further emphasised the importance of research and innovation, urging that energy efficiency be prioritised in all sectors, including industry, residential buildings, transportation and public infrastructure.
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“We must encourage energy efficiency in every sector,” he added. The Programme Manager for Environment and Climate at the Embassy of Ireland to Tanzania, Mr Faza Issa, noted the strong link between energy efficiency, climate change, transportation, security and industry.
He called on everyone in the region to contribute actively to the success of the energy efficiency agenda.
“I commend the government of Tanzania for its efforts in energy efficiency, particularly with the launch of the energy efficiency strategy. Prior to that, President Samia Suluhu Hassan also launched a clean cooking strategy, which is a significant step forward,” he said.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr Khatibu Kazungu, emphasised the critical role of energy efficiency in shaping the future of industries, economies and societies, both within Tanzania and across the EAC and SADC regions.
“We must accelerate efforts toward cleaner and more efficient energy systems. We need to improve our policies, strategies and investments to support this energy transformation,” he pointed out.
