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Tanzania has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost electricity production and expand access to power, aiming to add 2,463 megawatts (MW) to the national grid by 2030.
The move is part of a broader strategy to meet the country’s growing energy demands, drive economic development, and strengthen regional energy trade.
Speaking at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam on January 28, President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized the critical role of energy in transforming Tanzania’s economy. She highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing power generation through a mix of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal.
“Our goal is not just to generate more electricity but to ensure that every Tanzanian has access to reliable and affordable power,” President Samia said. “We are also positioning ourselves as a key player in the regional energy market, which will create more opportunities for trade and investment.”
Tanzania currently produces 3,431 MW of electricity, with hydropower accounting for 58 percent, natural gas 35 percent, and other renewable sources 7 percent. The new plan seeks to diversify the energy mix while ensuring sustainable and efficient power generation.
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A key aspect of the strategy is strengthening Tanzania’s role as an electricity hub in East and Southern Africa. The country is already connected to power grids in Burundi and Kenya, with new interconnections planned for Zambia and Uganda. This integration is expected to boost energy trade within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), allowing Tanzania to export surplus electricity.
The plan also prioritizes rural electrification. Out of Tanzania’s 64,359 hamlets, 32,827 have been connected to the grid, while work is underway to bring power to 20,000 more. The government aims to electrify the remaining 11,532 hamlets in the coming years, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to modern energy services.
With electricity demand projected to reach 1,888 MW by November 2024, the government is focused on long-term solutions to secure a stable and sustainable power supply. The initiative is expected to create jobs, boost industrial growth, and improve the quality of life for millions of Tanzanians, reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress and environmental sustainability.
