Tanzania has announced plans to increase its renewable energy production to 2,463 megawatts by 2030. President Samia Suluhu Hassan shared this goal during the African Heads of State Summit on Energy Matters held in Dar es Salaam on January 28, 2025. The event brought together leaders from different countries to discuss energy challenges and solutions.

President Samia explained that the country aims to expand energy sources by including solar, wind, geothermal, and natural gas while ensuring affordability and sustainability. She emphasized that Tanzania’s focus is on improving electricity supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and increasing rural access to power.

Currently, Tanzania has an electricity generation capacity of 3,431 megawatts. Hydropower contributes 58 percent, natural gas accounts for 35 percent, and the remaining seven percent comes from other sources. As of November 2024, Tanzania was producing 1,800 megawatts from these sources. The government’s strategy aims to boost renewable energy production to support industrial growth and meet rising demand.

The president also highlighted Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen regional power trade. The national grid is already connected to Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda, with plans to link to Zambia and Uganda. She noted that the country’s electricity production exceeds domestic consumption, currently standing at 1,888 megawatts. This surplus allows Tanzania to export power within the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.

Expanding electricity access in rural areas remains a priority. All villages in Tanzania now have electricity, and the next goal is to extend power to over 30,000 underserved hamlets by 2030. However, over 90 percent of households still rely on firewood and charcoal, which harms both health and the environment.

To address this, the government introduced a clean cooking energy strategy. The aim is to increase access to cleaner energy from the current 10 percent to 80 percent by 2034.

The president projected an investment of up to $13 billion for energy development, with $5 billion expected from the private sector. She acknowledged the contributions of the African Development Bank, World Bank, and other partners, calling for more cooperation and innovative solutions.

“This is not just about energy. It is about lifting millions out of poverty, creating jobs, and offering hope to future generations,” President Samia stated. The summit also marked the launch of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, reinforcing commitments to sustainable energy development in Africa.