Tanzania Champions Rural Energy at SADC Summit

Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to regional development and sustainable energy access by actively participating in a key SADC meeting held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The forum brought together senior officials and technical experts from member states ahead of the upcoming SADC Council of Energy and Water Ministers meeting.

Held at a time when energy security and water resource management are becoming central to development in Sub-Saharan Africa, the consultative meeting focused on building collective strategies to address regional gaps and emerging challenges.

Tanzania used the opportunity to showcase the impact of its ambitious rural electrification program, led by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), a public institution that has brought electricity access to millions in remote communities.

“Our goal has always been clear — power for all,” said Hassan Saidy, Director General of REA. “We believe access to energy is not a privilege, but a basic right and a foundation for economic development.”

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Alongside rural power, discussions touched on regional energy corridors, the future of the oil and gas industry, and upcoming joint infrastructure ventures between SADC member states. Tanzania’s position as a key transit and producer country gives it a strategic advantage in initiatives like the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

The Tanzanian team included high-level officials:

Styden Rwebangila, Assistant Commissioner for Electricity Development
Derick Moshi, Director of Planning at TPDC
Deogratius Mariwa, Director of Systems at TANESCO
Msafiri Mtepa, Economic Regulation Head at EWURA
Diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation

The SADC forum emphasized that infrastructure alone won’t solve the region’s energy crisis — cross-border collaboration and investment-friendly policies are equally critical. With global pressure to transition to renewable energy, Tanzania’s progress in off-grid solar and mini-grid systems was highlighted as a model for others to replicate.

Participants also explored joint strategies to address issues like climate resilience, water scarcity, and energy transition. The collaboration sets the tone for stronger regional integration and better access to funding from global development partners.