Energy Policy & Regulation

Tanzanian authorities have confirmed that preparations for the African Heads of State Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27-28, are progressing smoothly. Dubbed the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, the event aims to accelerate energy access across the continent and is expected to bring together over 1,500 delegates. Representatives from major organizations, including the African Union, African Development Bank Group, and World Bank Group, will join government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society to discuss strategies for advancing energy access in Africa.

Noel Kaganda, Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, emphasized that Tanzania is co-organizing the summit to address the urgent need for electricity access. The summit will focus on achieving the goal of providing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. This initiative aligns with the Africa Energy Compact, which 14 pilot African countries are expected to endorse during the event. These countries account for 52 percent of the global population without electricity and a significant portion of those lacking access to clean cooking solutions.

Innocent Luoga, Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Energy, highlighted the importance of innovative energy projects to meet these ambitious targets. He pointed out that Tanzania's efforts, such as the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHP), are already making a significant impact. The JNHP currently generates 1,410 megawatts from six turbines and is expected to produce 2,115 megawatts upon its completion later this year, further boosting the country's energy capacity and regional influence in energy development.

Tanzania is also making strides in alternative energy development, with projects utilizing geothermal, solar, and wind power projected to add 1,100 megawatts to the national grid. Gerson Msigwa, Tanzania’s Chief Government Spokesperson, underscored the country’s commitment to increasing electricity generation and providing sustainable energy solutions for all. The upcoming summit is expected to reinforce these efforts while fostering regional cooperation to address energy challenges across Africa.