Tanzania has continued to position itself as a continental leader in energy development, earning widespread recognition during the ongoing Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.
The country’s impressive execution of large-scale energy projects including the electrification of 12,318 villages and the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project has captured the attention of policy-makers and investors across the continent.
One notable outcome of this recognition is Lesotho’s formal interest in learning from Tanzania’s energy sector experience.
Government officials from the Kingdom of Lesotho, who are participating in the forum, expressed their intention to visit Tanzania to gain insights that could improve energy access and infrastructure in their country.
Speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, underscored the significance of Tanzania’s progress and called on citizens to take pride in their nation’s rising reputation.
“While it may not be widely known at home, Tanzania is receiving a great deal of attention across Africa for its strong performance in the energy sector,” Mramba said. “We are increasingly seen as a model for others.”
Mramba highlighted that the country’s advancements are not only improving domestic livelihoods but also contributing to broader regional integration.
Tanzania’s national grid is already interconnected with those of Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. Plans are underway to expand these links to Zambia and Uganda, further enhancing the resilience and sustainability of power supply in the region.
Recognizing that energy is central to economic growth and industrialization, Mramba emphasized the need for greater private sector involvement.
He called on local and international investors to engage in power generation, transmission, and distribution initiatives.
“As the economy grows, demand for energy increases. This requires bold investments, especially in transmission infrastructure. The private sector must be part of this transformation,” he noted.
During the forum, the Tanzanian delegation held strategic discussions with a range of potential investors, many of whom expressed a keen interest in participating in the country’s energy expansion efforts.
Tanzania’s energy sector continues to make strides not only in access and reliability but also in becoming a hub for regional collaboration and investment a position that promises lasting socio-economic impact for its citizens and neighbors alike.
