Tanzania leads Africa’s voice on clean energy ahead of COP30

By Our Reporter, Dodoma

Tanzania is set to lead Africa in shaping climate action, championing clean energy and sustainable development as the continent prepares for the 30th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil from November 10 to 21, 2025.

In its capacity as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), Tanzania will carry a unified voice for Africa, emphasizing priorities that address the continent’s energy needs, economic growth, and environmental resilience.

Engineer Cyprian Luhemeja, Secretary-General of the Office of the Vice President, said the country’s leadership at COP30 is anchored in the government’s commitment to Tanzania Development Vision 2050 (Vision 2050), launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on July 17, 2025. 

Vision 2050 sets the path for a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy, where every development sector integrates environmental considerations.

“This year’s COP30 is historic. It provides Tanzania with an opportunity to not only negotiate but also strengthen partnerships and mobilize global support for climate initiatives that will foster green growth and national development,” Luhemeja said during the opening of the preparatory meeting for Permanent Secretaries in Dodoma on October 21.

Clean energy has been identified as Africa’s top agenda ahead of the conference. Dr. Richard Muyungi, President’s Environmental Advisor and AGN Chair, said access to electricity and clean cooking energy remains a critical challenge across the continent, affecting women, youth, and rural communities.

“Climate action in Africa must reflect the realities of our people. Clean energy is more than an environmental priority it is a development opportunity that empowers young Africans, creates jobs, and improves living standards,” Dr. Muyungi said.

He emphasized that by 2030, expanding electricity access and clean energy solutions will transform communities, providing opportunities for youth participation in climate initiatives, which have often been overlooked in the past.

Highlighting Zanzibar’s experience, Engineer Ussi Khamis Debe, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar National Council for Persons with Disabilities, said the island’s economy heavily relies on the Blue Economy, including fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. 

Climate change, he noted, poses significant risks to these sectors, making sustainable energy and resilience strategies vital for continued growth.

Tanzania’s proactive approach reflects a broader ambition to link environmental sustainability with economic development. 

By placing clean energy at the heart of Africa’s COP30 agenda, the country is not only leading negotiations but also demonstrating how climate action can empower youth, protect livelihoods, and drive inclusive growth.

With COP30 approaching, Tanzania’s leadership promises to elevate Africa’s voice on the global stage, ensuring that climate solutions serve people, empower communities, and advance sustainable development across the continent.