Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) responsible for Health, Dr Jafar Seif, has hailed electric vehicles as a key component of Tanzania’s transition to clean energy, saying their adoption will help reduce carbon emissions and strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
Speaking during a visit to the Ministry of Energy’s pavilion at the ongoing National Environment Week exhibitions at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, Dr Seif said clean transport technologies are increasingly becoming essential in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
The deputy minister toured the exhibition booth and inspected a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, which is being used as part of a public awareness campaign to promote clean energy solutions and environmentally friendly technologies.
He said the shift towards electric mobility aligns with the government’s broader agenda of expanding clean energy use while reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional fossil fuels.
“Electric vehicles are among the modern technologies that support environmental protection and improve the quality of life of citizens. Tanzania must continue encouraging their use to keep pace with the global movement towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems,” Dr Seif said.
He noted that transport remains one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, adding that increased adoption of electric vehicles could play a significant role in lowering emissions while improving urban air quality.
The remarks come as Tanzania intensifies efforts to promote renewable energy and climate-resilient development pathways in line with national and international environmental commitments.
A specialist from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr Eneza Nyika, said the agency has been working closely with the Ministry of Energy to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles due to their economic and environmental advantages.
According to Mr Nyika, electric vehicles operate without producing exhaust emissions, generate minimal noise and offer lower operating costs compared to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
He said wider adoption of the technology would also encourage investment in clean energy infrastructure, improve efficiency in the transport sector and lessen dependence on imported fuel.
“Electric mobility presents an opportunity not only to reduce environmental pollution but also to support the growth of a greener and more efficient transport system,” he said.
Dr Seif commended the Ministry of Energy and its development partners for continuing to educate the public on the benefits of clean energy technologies, describing awareness campaigns as crucial in accelerating behavioural change and promoting sustainable practices.
The National Environment Week exhibitions, which began on June 1, are expected to conclude on June 5, bringing together government institutions, development partners, private sector players and environmental stakeholders to showcase innovations aimed at advancing environmental protection and sustainable development.
