Tanzania's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals has directed TANESCO to rapidly scale up electricity distribution across the nation, targeting industrial zones and rural households.

In a decisive move to bolster economic growth, lawmakers are pressing the national utility to drastically increase its annual connection rate. The committee emphasized that reliable power is the linchpin for industrialization and revenue generation.

As East Africa races to modernize its economies, energy access remains a critical bottleneck. The push for expanded electrification in Tanzania is not just about illuminating homes; it is a strategic imperative to attract foreign direct investment, stimulate local manufacturing, and establish the nation as a regional industrial powerhouse by 2030.

The Mandate for Rapid Electrification

During a strategic visit to the Zanzibar Electricity Distribution Centre and the Kinyerezi power stations in Dar es Salaam, Committee Chairperson Subira Mgalu outlined the government's expectations. She highlighted that priority areas must include industrial zones and mining sites, which are the engines of economic output. The directive aligns with the government's ambitious target of connecting 1.6 to 1.7 million new customers annually, a massive leap from previous figures.

The committee acknowledged the visible reforms undertaken by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), noting a significant decrease in power outages. However, the demand for electricity continues to outpace supply, necessitating innovative and accelerated delivery methods. "When electricity is used in homes and industries, it greatly contributes to increasing government revenue," Mgalu stated, reinforcing the economic rationale behind the electrification drive.

Strategic Investments and Regional Impact

Tanzania's energy strategy is a cornerstone of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's vision to reach 8,000 megawatts of generation capacity by 2030. To achieve this, monumental infrastructure projects are underway.

• The 400-kilovolt Chalinze-Dodoma power transmission project, valued at TZS 556 billion (approx. KES 28.5 billion), is critical for stabilizing the national grid.
• The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) will serve as a central hub, channeling immense power to various regions.
• The Gridi Imara initiative in Dar es Salaam aims to upgrade aging urban infrastructure and prevent costly transmission losses.

These investments have regional implications. A robust Tanzanian grid enhances the viability of cross-border energy trade within the East African Community (EAC), potentially stabilizing power tariffs across neighboring nations, including Kenya and Uganda.

Overcoming Implementation Hurdles

Despite the optimism, significant challenges remain. Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi has issued stern warnings to contractors regarding project delays and substandard work. The government has stressed that legal action will be taken against any firm that undermines the national electrification agenda. TANESCO's leadership is under immense pressure to tighten supervision and ensure that billions of shillings invested yield tangible, long-term benefits for the populace.

The transformation of Tanzania's energy sector is a monumental undertaking that requires relentless oversight and flawless execution. "We cannot allow a situation where a project is handed over incomplete; the economic future of our nation depends on this power," Minister Ndejembi affirmed, underscoring the zero-tolerance policy for failure.