By The Respondent Reporter
Tanga. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko today laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Tanga International Energy terminal, a key strategic project expected to become the largest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facility in East Africa.
The $100 million investment, developed jointly by Pretedec Company and Asas Group, positions Tanga as a future energy hub for Tanzania and the wider region, while also supporting the national drive for increased access to clean cooking energy.
Dr Biteko, who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the event, said the project will create over 300 jobs during construction and more than 2,000 upon completion.
He urged investors to prioritise employing Tanzanians throughout the implementation process.
“This project must serve as a national model. Any job that a Tanzanian can perform should be given to a Tanzanian,” said Dr Biteko.
He added that “At least 40 percent of the investment value should circulate within the country.”
The minister also called on developers to extend LPG filling services to rural communities and adopt flexible payment technologies that would enable low-income households to purchase gas based on daily needs, instead of refilling full cylinders.
According to the 2024 Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) report, annual LPG consumption in Tanzania continues to grow significantly.
In the 2023/24 fiscal year, usage surpassed 403,000 metric tonnes, up from 293,000 metric tonnes in 2022/23, a 38 percent increase.
To support the transition to cleaner fuels, the government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has distributed 154,225 gas cylinders under a subsidy programme that aims to distribute 452,445 cylinders by 2027.
The move aligns with the government’s National Clean Cooking Communication Strategy launched in Dodoma on June 2, which aims to increase awareness and use of clean cooking energy nationwide.
The target is to ensure that at least 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking solutions by 2034.
“Tanzania is committed to raising public awareness on clean energy and facilitating access to affordable cooking gas,” Dr Biteko said, assuring investors of reliable markets both locally and across East Africa.
Dr Biteko also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to turning Tanga into a regional trade and energy hub.
He cited ongoing efforts such as expanding the electricity transmission line from Majani Mapana to Pemba, from 33kV to 132kV, as part of broader infrastructure plans to support industrialisation.
He concluded his address by calling on citizens to participate in the upcoming general elections and to support President Samia’s international campaign for clean cooking energy.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr. Suleiman Jafo, praised Dr. Biteko’s leadership, noting that the terminal will help position Tanzania as a major gas exporter and stimulate industrial growth.
Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Batilda Burian, said the project would boost employment and raise the region’s visibility on the global energy map.
Tanzania Oil and Gas Association (TOAG) CEO Abdulsamad Abdulrahim described the project as a milestone in Tanzania’s energy transition, saying it will reduce reliance on non-clean cooking fuels and open space for local investors.
“This is a result of constructive collaboration between local and foreign partners. Tanzanians are ready to deliver,” Mr Abdulrahim said.
Pretedec’s Michael Dimond, speaking on behalf of the developers, said the LPG terminal will be a safe and reliable supply point for the East African region.
“We are excited to support the government’s vision. Today marks the beginning of a long-term investment in Tanzania’s clean energy future,” he said.
Asas Group’s Ahmed Asas noted that beyond its economic contribution, the project will also have positive health and environmental impacts.
Once operational in 2027, the terminal is expected to serve Tanzania and neighbouring countries including Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Burundi, contributing to regional energy security and economic integration.
