The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has announced an ambitious plan to increase electricity generation from the current 4,300 megawatts to 8,000 megawatts by 2030, in a move aimed at strengthening power reliability, supporting industrial growth, and improving access to energy for citizens.
The plan was presented in Dodoma by the Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, while contributing to the 2026/2027 national budget estimates in Parliament.
He said the government is accelerating the implementation of key energy projects across different sources to ensure stable and affordable electricity supply nationwide.
Ndejembi said the target is aligned with Tanzania’s long-term development vision of reaching 74,000 megawatts by 2050, as well as the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and priorities outlined in the ruling party’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi manifesto, which places electricity at the centre of economic transformation and job creation.
He explained that the Ministry of Energy will focus on expanding power generation through a mix of energy sources, including solar, natural gas, coal, and hydropower, to ensure the country has reliable and diversified electricity for homes, businesses, and industries.
One of the major projects highlighted is the 100-megawatt Kishapu Solar Power Project in Shinyanga Region.
Ndejembi described it as a milestone in Tanzania’s clean energy development, noting that 50 megawatts are already feeding electricity into the national grid.
Full completion of the project is expected within the 2026/2027 financial year, which will further boost electricity supply to households and economic activities.
The government is also moving forward with the large-scale Mchuchuma Coal Power Project in Ludewa District, Njombe Region, which is expected to generate 2,000 megawatts.
The minister said the project will help Tanzania fully utilise its local coal resources to produce electricity at a large scale for the first time.
He noted that despite having significant coal reserves, the country has not previously used them for electricity generation. The new project is expected to change that and strengthen energy security for the nation.
In addition, the government is expanding natural gas-based power generation through the Kinyerezi III project, which will add 1,000 megawatts to the national grid.
This project is expected to play a key role in stabilising electricity supply, especially in urban and industrial areas.
Other ongoing and planned projects include the Kakono Hydropower Project, which will generate 87 megawatts, and continued development of the Malagarasi Hydropower Project.
These projects are expected to improve electricity reliability in different regions of the country and reduce power interruptions.
Ndejembi said the combined implementation of these projects will significantly increase electricity availability, reduce power shortages, and support the growth of small and large businesses across the country.
He added that improved electricity supply will help create jobs, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life for citizens, as Tanzania moves toward becoming a middle-income, industrialised economy under Vision 2050.
