Tanzania is seeking to strengthen international energy partnerships as Energy Minister Juma Z. Homera joins counterparts from more than 70 countries at a global forum in Saudi Arabia to discuss energy security and the reliability of supplies.
Dr Homera is representing Tanzania at the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF17), being held in Riyadh from October 11 to 12, 2026, under the theme “Energy Security and Shared Goals in a New Era.”
The meeting comes as countries face the challenge of securing reliable energy supplies while pursuing sustainable development and meeting growing demand from households, businesses and industries.
For Tanzania, the discussions offer an opportunity to learn from other energy-producing and consuming countries, strengthen cooperation and explore approaches that could support the country’s efforts to build a reliable energy system.
The meeting was opened by Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, who called for direct engagement among member countries to assess existing strategies and develop new measures to safeguard global energy security.
Prince Abdulaziz reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with partner countries to strengthen the reliability and sustainability of energy supplies.
International Energy Forum Secretary-General Jassim Alshirawi said the meeting’s theme reflected prevailing global concerns, particularly the need to guarantee energy supply security while ensuring sustainable energy is accessible to all.
The forum brings together more than 70 member countries representing both energy producers and consumers. It provides a platform for dialogue on energy market trends, supply security and international cooperation.
Tanzania’s participation comes amid the importance of reliable energy supplies to its industrialisation ambitions, investment attraction and broader economic development.
Stable and affordable energy is critical to businesses seeking to expand production, manufacturers managing operating costs and households that depend on electricity and other energy sources for daily activities.
International cooperation can also provide opportunities for countries to exchange experience and explore policy approaches to balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability.
However, the practical value of Tanzania’s participation will depend on how discussions and partnerships translate into concrete benefits, including improved energy reliability, investment and access to modern energy services.
The Riyadh meeting provides a platform for Tanzania to engage with international partners on these priorities as countries seek common approaches to the changing global energy landscape.