Tanzania has opened discussions with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) as part of its broader strategy to diversify energy sources and invest in nuclear power generation.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba.
According to CNNC representatives, the corporation has decades of experience in constructing and operating nuclear power plants and expressed readiness to cooperate with Tanzania in the development of nuclear energy projects.
“Tanzania has already begun preparations to generate electricity using nuclear technology, in line with the vision of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to secure sustainable, safe, and reliable energy sources. We are ready to work with CNNC in this journey,” Eng. Mramba said.
He stressed that nuclear energy is part of the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen energy security, expand access, and reduce dependence on traditional sources.
He also thanked CNNC for showing interest in supporting Tanzania’s ambition.
As part of the talks, CNNC committed to building local capacity by offering technical training, study visits, and postgraduate scholarships in nuclear sciences for Tanzanians.
This initiative is expected to ensure the country has adequate expertise to manage and oversee future nuclear projects.
The meeting brought together senior officials, including Mr. Jing Zhang, Director of the Technical Department at the IAEA; Eng. Joseph Kirangi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water and Minerals of Zanzibar; Prof. Najat Mohamed, Director General of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC); and Eng. Innocent Luoga, Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy.