Innovators harness Sh250m to power Tanzania’s sustainable future

Dar es Salaam. Ten innovators have received a total of Sh250 million in seed funding at the second Energy Efficiency Innovation Challenge.

The initiative is part of the implementation of Tanzania’s first Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2022–2025) and supports the newly adopted National Energy Efficiency Strategy (2024–2034).

The event, organised by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), took place on Friday, September 12, 2025.

It brought together government officials, development partners, media representatives, and youth to celebrate local solutions advancing Tanzania’s sustainable energy transition.

This year, a nationwide call attracted 95 applications, from which 10 promising innovators were selected to receive up to Sh25 million each, along with technical mentorship to pilot solutions in areas such as energy-efficient appliances, sustainable building practices, and behaviour-change models.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy Innocent Luoga, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, said: “Energy efficiency is not only about reducing consumption but also about unlocking opportunities for innovation, job creation, and sustainable industrialisation.”

“Through this Challenge, we are empowering Tanzanians, especially youth and women, to take part in shaping the country’s energy future. Tanzania is committed to working closely with other stakeholders to ensure the country achieves its national goals,” he added.

The EU Head of Natural Resources, Lamine Diallo, reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Tanzania’s clean energy agenda.

“The European Union is proud to support Tanzania’s journey towards clean energy for all. These innovators represent the creativity and commitment needed to make energy efficiency a reality for households, businesses, and communities,” he said.

He added that together, the contribution to global climate goals and Tanzania’s Vision 2050 would be realised.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative John Rutere underscored the broader impact of local innovation.

“Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s just energy transition and an enabler of sustainable development. By investing in local innovators, we are not only reducing emissions and creating green jobs but also ensuring that energy access is affordable, inclusive, and leaves no one behind,” said Mr Rutere.

Mr Anodi Kaihula, a beneficiary, CEO and co-founder of Ubuntu Afyalink, a youth-led start-up offering green energy solutions for the healthcare sector, shared insights on his project, Ubuntu GreenPower+.

He said the solution provides solar-powered systems (500W–2kW) bundled with ultra-efficient medical appliances such as vaccine freezers and diagnostic device chargers for last-mile healthcare clinics.

According to him, equipped with a real-time monitoring dashboard accessible via WhatsApp or the web, it enables facility managers to track energy consumption, battery health, and uptime.

“By replacing diesel, optimising loads, and encouraging preventive energy habits, it improves service delivery, cuts carbon dioxide emissions, and ensures reliable power for life-saving treatment,” he said, adding.

“A unique feature is the financing model, which allows a pay-as-you-use option, meaning facilities only pay for what they consume. This reduces operational costs while providing affordable, reliable, clean energy solutions.”

Another beneficiary and lecturer at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Arusha, Dr Godiana Philipo, said her innovation focuses on energy monitoring, management, optimisation, and recommendations.

“It aims to empower users to manage electricity consumption by installing smart meters or sockets to measure usage. The system incorporates user behaviour to control loads, switching appliances on or off based on usage patterns and comfort. It also provides recommendations, identifying inefficient appliances and suggesting improvements, while predicting potential savings,” said Dr Philipo.

Dr Philipo’s team has already begun prototyping the product, which builds on her PhD research, and the Sh25 million prize money will be used to further develop and implement the solutions, strengthening the prototype and expanding the impact of her innovation.