Samia stresses energy security
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is taking a leading role in shaping Africa’s energy future, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan announcing the country’s commitment to energy security and sustainability.
Speaking at the New Year Diplomatic Sherry Party hosted for heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations at the State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday, President Samia highlighted key initiatives that will define Tanzania’s energy landscape in the year ahead.
A major milestone early this year will be Tanzania’s hosting of the African Heads of State Energy Summit, which will focus on Mission 300, an initiative aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
The summit will be held in partnership with the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the African Union.
It is expected to bring together leaders, policymakers and experts to share strategies and collaborate on solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.
“The summit comes at a pivotal time as we are enhancing our country’s energy generation through the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which is nearing completion,” President Samia said.
In addition to the hydropower project, Tanzania is working on integrating its energy grid with neighbouring regions, with energy transmission trials underway as part of its connection to the East African Power Pool (EAPP) with Kenya.
Another significant step is the ongoing project to link Tanzania’s grid to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) via Zambia, positioning the country as a key player in regional energy trade.
Additionally, two interstate energy generation projects, the Kikagati-Morongo hydropower project in Kagera River with Uganda and the upcoming Rusumo hydropower project with Burundi and Rwanda, are prime examples of Tanzania’s collaborative efforts to improve energy access across borders.
“The Africa Energy Summit will provide a platform for fostering further collaboration, sharing innovative solutions and mobilising resources to tackle the continent’s energy challenges,” she added.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo expressed his gratitude for the diplomatic community’s support in strengthening Tanzania’s international partnerships.
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He commended President Samia’s leadership in enhancing Tanzania’s foreign relations and emphasised the country’s growing role in regional integration, international cooperation and sustainable development.
Minister Kombo also reflected on the constructive dialogues held in 2024, including discussions on security, political stability, civil rights and foreign investment policies.
He expressed a commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with international partners and reiterated the government’s openness to addressing mutual concerns and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
“In my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, I have had the privilege of engaging with the diplomatic corps, both individually and collectively.
Notably, in November 2024, we convened several bilateral and multilateral meetings with many of you, fostering constructive dialogues on issues of mutual interest,” he said.
The Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Union of Comoros, Dr Ahamada El Badaoui Mohamed, also took the opportunity to distinguish Tanzania’s notable achievements in 2024.
He highlighted key infrastructure developments, such as the inauguration of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, which has significantly improved connectivity between the two capitals.
He also commended the completion of major road infrastructure projects in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Ambassador Mohamed further acknowledged Tanzania’s progress in critical sectors like energy, health, education, water and agriculture. He applauded the country’s impressive economic growth, noting its resilience amid low inflation and a decreasing budget deficit, driven by improved tax collection and strong trade performance.
The ambassador also underscored the positive outlook for Tanzania’s economy, with GDP growth expected to align with its long-term potential, bolstered by structural reforms and an improved business environment, according to the World Bank.
