The Government has said it will continue strengthening electricity production in the country to ensure there is enough power for local use and a surplus that can be sold to neighbouring countries to earn foreign exchange.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, when presenting his ministry’s budget speech in Parliament in Dodoma.
He said the main focus for the 2026/27 financial year will be to improve reliable electricity supply across the country, including in cities, rural areas and remote villages.
He explained that access to stable power remains important for supporting households, businesses and industries.
According to the minister, the government is also working to expand electricity infrastructure so that generation capacity is matched with efficient distribution.
This is expected to reduce power interruptions and improve the overall quality of service to consumers.
He said that once domestic demand is fully met, the country will be able to generate surplus electricity for export.
This move is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position in regional power trade and contribute to national income through foreign exchange earnings.
In addition to electricity development, the government will continue promoting the use of clean energy for cooking.
The aim is to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, which are widely used but contribute to environmental degradation and health risks.
The minister further explained that the government will continue investing in the exploration, development, production and distribution of oil and natural gas.
He said these efforts are intended to ensure a stable supply of energy resources that support the country’s growing economy.
He noted that reliable energy supply is essential for industries, transport, agriculture and other key sectors that drive economic growth. Without stable energy, production costs remain high and economic expansion becomes difficult.
Ndejembi also said the government will focus on improving infrastructure for storing and distributing petroleum products.
This includes strengthening storage facilities and transport systems to ensure fuel is delivered efficiently and consistently across the country.
He said the improvements will help reduce delays and shortages that sometimes affect supply chains, especially in remote areas. Better infrastructure is also expected to improve overall energy security.
The minister stressed that continued investment in the energy sector is part of the broader government strategy to support industrialisation and economic development.
He said energy remains a key foundation for achieving national development goals.
He added that the government’s long-term plan is to ensure that Tanzania not only meets its own energy needs but also becomes a reliable energy supplier in the region through cross-border electricity trade.
Overall, the ministry said the focus remains on expanding access to affordable and reliable energy while supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens across the country.
