Tanzania bank on reliable power for economic transformation as it targets to generate 8,000megawatts by 2030

COTONOU: TANZANIA has insisted on making reliable electricity and energy the foundation of its economic transformation  that will stimulate industrial growth, investment, employment and national development towards 2050, with a target of increasing electricity generation capacity to more than 8,000 megawatts by 2030/31.

The commitment was outlined by the  Deputy Minister for Finance, Laurent Luswetula, representing Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, after chairing the 35th Board of Governors meeting of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), held alongside the Africa Think Tank Summit (ATTS) in Cotonou, Benin.

Luswetula said Tanzania recognised reliable electricity and energy access as critical drivers of economic development, particularly in attracting investment, expanding industrial production, strengthening infrastructure and improving citizens’ living standards.

He added that adequate energy supply was among the key pillars for achieving the objectives of Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050, which targets a US$1 trillion economy by 2050 and a per capita income of approximately US$7,000.

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“Tanzania is ready for an economic transformation because our goal and determination are to ensure that we have sufficient electricity and energy to support citizens’ development, national development and economic growth,” Luswetula said.

 He said the government was continuing to strengthen electricity generation and distribution to meet current and future demand, driven by expanding economic activities, new investments and industrial growth across the country.

“Our target is to exceed 8,000 megawatts by 2030/31. We know that to establish more industries, increase production and grow the economy, we must have an adequate electricity supply,” Luswetula said.