Hassan Magulumali
Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity has increased to 4,646 megawatts (MW), as the government steps up investment in energy infrastructure and targets more than 8,000MW by 2030 to support industrial growth and attract new investors.
Energy Minister Dr Juma Zuberi Homera announced the figures on October 18, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, attributing the increase to the completion of several electricity projects under the administration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Homera said the expansion was intended to strengthen the country’s ability to supply reliable electricity to households, businesses and industries, while creating favourable conditions for domestic and foreign investment.
“Let me reassure Tanzanians that we have sufficient electricity, to the extent that we have the capacity to sell power to other countries. We are moving quickly towards the government’s target of exceeding 8,000 megawatts by 2030,” Homera said.
The government views reliable electricity as a key requirement for economic development, particularly as Tanzania seeks to expand manufacturing, mineral processing, agriculture and other energy-intensive industries.
However, achieving the 2030 target will require continued investment in generation facilities, transmission lines and distribution networks to ensure that increased production translates into a dependable electricity supply for consumers across the country.
Tanzania is pursuing a diversified energy strategy that includes hydropower, natural gas, solar power and other renewable sources.
Homera said the Kishapu I solar power project, with an installed capacity of 50MW, had been completed and was operating. The government is also advancing the Kishapu II project, which is expected to add another 100MW, while additional projects with a combined capacity of approximately 600MW are at different stages of preparation and implementation.
Diversifying electricity generation is intended to reduce dependence on individual energy sources and strengthen the country’s resilience to changes in weather conditions and fuel availability.
Hydropower remains an important component of Tanzania’s electricity system, while natural gas has played a major role in supporting thermal power generation. Solar projects are expected to contribute to the expansion of supply as electricity demand rises.
The government has also emphasised the importance of expanding transmission infrastructure. Without adequate transmission and distribution capacity, additional electricity generation may not reach areas where households and industries need it most.
Alongside electricity projects, Tanzania is intensifying efforts to explore and develop its natural gas resources through the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
Homera said exploration activities were continuing in several areas, including Eyasi-Wembere, Lindi-Mtwara, Mnazi Bay North and West Songo Songo.
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These projects form part of the government’s broader strategy to assess the country’s petroleum potential, strengthen domestic energy security and expand the availability of gas for electricity generation and industrial use.
TPDC has been conducting geological and geophysical studies in the exploration blocks to identify promising underground formations and determine whether commercially viable oil or gas resources are present. The work includes seismic surveys and assessments intended to guide decisions on future exploration drilling.
The government expects the development of additional gas resources to support electricity generation and provide energy for industries that require a reliable supply to maintain production.
Homera also highlighted expectations for gas production to reach approximately 40 million cubic feet per day from the Ntorya project, according to the government’s development plans. This remains a production target rather than confirmation that the projected volume is already being produced.
Tanzania’s domestic energy ambitions are unfolding alongside plans to develop a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
The proposed LNG project is expected to unlock substantial offshore natural gas resources and create opportunities for investment, employment and supporting infrastructure. Negotiations involving the government and international energy companies have continued as the country works towards finalising agreements for the development.
The project could strengthen Tanzania’s position in the regional and international energy industry, although its long-term benefits will depend on investment decisions, construction progress, financing arrangements and the balance between exports and domestic energy needs.
The government has indicated that expanding natural gas production should also support local economic activity, including power generation and industrial development.
For Tanzania, the challenge will be to ensure that the development of gas resources complements investment in renewable energy and delivers practical benefits to the domestic economy.
The increase to 4,646MW represents an important milestone in Tanzania’s plan to expand its electricity supply, but the next stage will require more than building generation facilities.
Industries need electricity that is not only available in sufficient quantities but also reliable, affordable and accessible through an effective national grid. Expanding connections, improving infrastructure and managing the cost of supply will therefore remain important to achieving the government’s ambitions.
If Tanzania succeeds in increasing generation capacity to more than 8,000MW by 2030, the additional supply could support industrial expansion, create opportunities for investment and strengthen the country’s ability to serve growing domestic demand.
For now, the government is relying on continued investment in electricity projects, renewable energy and natural gas exploration to move towards that goal, with the performance of these projects and the expansion of supporting infrastructure likely to determine how quickly the target can be achieved.
