By Our Reporter, Dar es Salaam
The Secretary of the Special NEC Committee for Ideology, Publicity, and Training in Zanzibar, Khamis Mbeto Khamis, has criticized those opposing the government's decision to buy electricity from Ethiopia.
He explained that this move will help expand Tanga Port and support the growth of large industries in the region.
Speaking to journalists, Mbeto said many investors are currently setting up big industries in Tanga, which need a stable supply of electricity.
He pointed out that building a power transmission line from Chalinze to Tanga would be expensive and take a long time.
He also noted that buying electricity from Ethiopia is cheaper. In Tanzania, one unit of electricity costs 9 cents, while Ethiopia charges only 7 cents per unit. Additionally, Kenya already has the necessary power infrastructure, making it easier and more affordable to bring electricity into Tanzania.
The government plans to buy 100 megawatts of electricity to support industries and businesses in Tanga and other northern regions.
Mbeto reminded people that this is not the first time Tanzania has bought electricity from a neighboring country—Uganda already supplies power to Kagera Region.
Tanzania also sells electricity to Zambia, helping power some border regions in the Southern Highlands. A new power line is being built in Zambia, and in the future, Tanzania may even sell electricity to South Africa.
"This is a smart decision by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Many investors have applied to set up large industries in Tanga through the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), so having reliable electricity is important. It is normal for countries to buy electricity from each other," Mbeto said.
He added that within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), countries with extra electricity can sell to their neighbors.
Even the United States buys electricity from Canada and Mexico, and Italy purchases power from the Netherlands.
Mbeto clarified that Tanzania has enough electricity. The challenge is not a shortage of power but the high cost of delivering it over long distances.
"We have enough electricity, but sending it to large industries requires expensive transmission lines. The industries being built in Tanga will create jobs, increase government revenue, and boost the economy," he said.