President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Lazaro Jacob Twange as the new Managing Director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), following the death of his predecessor, Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, in a road accident earlier this year.
Twange, who served most recently as District Commissioner for Ubungo, takes over at a time when TANESCO is under increasing pressure to deliver more reliable electricity, expand national coverage, and drive investment in renewable energy to meet the country's development goals.
The appointment was announced in a press release issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications at State House on May 6, 2025. The statement, signed by Director Sharifa Nyanga, described the decision as part of broader efforts to strengthen leadership across key government institutions.
This appointment is part of the President’s continued commitment to enhance efficiency and accountability in state-owned enterprises. The President believes Mr. Twange has the experience and integrity required to lead TANESCO at this important time.
TANESCO is central to Tanzania’s economic engine, tasked with electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Despite progress in recent years, the utility has faced public criticism over frequent outages, aging infrastructure, and delays in connecting new customers.
Mr. Twange’s experience in public administration, although not rooted in the energy sector, is expected to bring a fresh approach focused on governance, accountability, and citizen-centered service delivery.
His appointment coincides with major national energy initiatives, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project and the expansion of rural electrification under the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
With electricity demand growing at over 10 percent annually, the role demands bold leadership and a strong grasp of operational reforms.
In the same statement, State House also announced other leadership changes:
Albert Casper Msando, previously District Commissioner for Handeni, becomes DC of Ubungo.
Japhari Mghamba Kubecha moves from Tanga to become DC for Handeni.
Dadi Horace Kolimba, formerly DC of Karatu, has been appointed DC of Tanga.
Lameck Karanga Nganga, who served as District Administrative Secretary (DAS) for Karatu, is now the new DC for Karatu.
Bahati Migiri Mfungo, former District Executive Director (DED) of Mbogwe in Geita Region, has been named the new DAS for Karatu.
In higher education, Andrew William Massawe has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), replacing retired Ambassador Mohamed Chande Othman.
“These changes are designed to ensure strong leadership in key positions across the country,” read the statement. “Every appointment is guided by the national interest and the need to deliver results for the people.”
As TANESCO continues to implement major infrastructure projects and regional power integration efforts, Twange is expected to lead with urgency, build trust among stakeholders, and deliver measurable improvements in service delivery.
The public now awaits his first steps as he begins what may be one of the most closely watched leadership roles in Tanzania’s energy sector.
