The Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, has assured the public that the new TCPM Tabora Concrete Pole Factory, owned by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), is meant to support, not compete with, private sector businesses.
Speaking during an inspection of the factory, which is now 95% complete, Minister Ndejembi said the facility is designed to boost the production of concrete poles, helping meet the growing national demand. The factory is expected to produce around 120 poles per day.
“This factory is not a threat to private companies. It will complement the work already being done by private producers of concrete poles,” he explained.
The Minister noted that in 2025, TANESCO needed 80,000 concrete poles, but only 40,000 were supplied by private companies, creating a significant shortage.
He encouraged private investors to continue exploring opportunities in the electric pole industry, as TANESCO plans to phase out wooden poles and fully transition to concrete poles for national electricity distribution.
Minister Ndejembi also urged TANESCO’s management and staff to ensure the factory’s machinery and infrastructure are well-maintained, and operations are carried out sustainably to prevent losses.
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TANESCO CEO, Lazaro Twange, said the 100% government-owned factory will cost TZS 7.9 billion to complete.
The construction is in its final stages, and the contractor is expected to finish all works by February 20, 2026, with production starting immediately after.
“This factory is an important step towards improving electricity infrastructure in Tanzania while creating more opportunities for private sector participation,” Twange added.