Tanzania leads the way in Africa’s energy transformation

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has cemented its position as a frontrunner in Africa’s energy sector, unveiling ambitious plans to expand access to electricity across the continent.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Energy Summit 2025 in Dar es Salaam on January 27, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to driving energy security and clean energy adoption.

The summit, which has drawn policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts from around the world, aims to tackle Africa’s energy challenges and unlock its vast potential. The ultimate goal is to ensure universal electricity access for all Africans.

Dr Biteko outlined Tanzania’s vision for energy development, emphasising the need for collaboration to achieve large-scale electrification.

“We are striving to ensure that over the next five years, at least 300 million people across Africa will gain access to electricity,” he said. “This is an achievable target, and Tanzania is proud to play its part in making this a reality.”

Reflecting on the country’s energy progress since independence, Dr Biteko highlighted significant growth.

“When we gained independence, Tanzania had only 21 megawatts of electricity. Today, we have expanded to over 3,160 megawatts,” he noted, stressing that energy development has transformed lives and industries.

Despite these gains, he acknowledged persistent challenges, citing an estimated 571 million Africans who still lack access to electricity.

“This is unacceptable, and it is why summits like this are crucial. They provide a platform for collaboration, innovation, and investment,” he said.

With Africa’s energy needs rising, Dr Biteko underscored Tanzania’s commitment to expanding its energy capacity to 4,000 megawatts by the end of the year.

He said that 61 percent of this new capacity would come from clean, renewable sources, ensuring sustainability and long-term energy security.

Dr Biteko also placed particular focus on clean cooking energy, a key priority for Tanzania’s leadership.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been a champion for clean cooking energy, which is essential for the health and well-being of millions of Africans,” he said.

“This summit must focus on how we can accelerate the adoption of clean cooking solutions across the continent.”

He stressed the importance of reducing reliance on traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood, which pose environmental and health risks. To achieve this, he called for stronger partnerships between governments, private investors, and international organisations.

Regional energy cooperation

Tanzania has also strengthened regional energy ties, connecting its power grid with neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.

“We are working to expand these connections, including linking the grid with Zanzibar, which will further integrate us into the regional energy market,” Dr Biteko stated.

This collaborative approach, he added, is crucial for fostering economic growth and supporting industries such as mining, manufacturing, and tourism. “We need more investment in the energy sector to meet the growing demand in these industries,” he urged.

A call for bold action

Tanzania’s hosting of the Africa Energy Summit 2025 highlights its growing influence in shaping the continent’s energy future. Dr Biteko stressed that the summit must go beyond discussions to deliver concrete solutions.

“We need to take bold, coordinated steps to address Africa’s energy challenges,” he said.

“The conversations and partnerships emerging from this summit will be key to ensuring that Africa’s energy future is bright, sustainable, and inclusive.”

With Africa’s energy demand expected to surge due to urbanisation and industrialisation, the need for scalable and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever.

Dr Biteko expressed confidence that the outcomes of the summit would drive meaningful action, positioning Tanzania as a leader in Africa’s energy transition. “This summit marks a new chapter in our collective journey towards energy security, and I am confident that we will achieve great things together.”