His speech underscored the Government’s commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable, and modern energy services as a cornerstone for national development, industrialization, and improved quality of life for citizens.
At the heart of the Prime Minister’s address was the recognition that energy—particularly electricity—is not merely a service but a fundamental driver of economic growth.
He explained that the availability of stable and sufficient electricity supply directly influences productivity in key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, digital technology, and small and medium enterprises. Reliable energy access also enhances service delivery in essential social sectors including healthcare, education, and water supply systems.
Dr. Nchemba highlighted the remarkable progress achieved through the Government’s strategic investments in energy infrastructure over recent years. Among the most notable milestones is the completion of major power generation projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which stands as one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in Tanzania’s history. Significantly financed through domestic resources, the project symbolizes the country’s growing financial and technical capacity to implement large-scale development initiatives independently. As a result of such investments, Tanzania has transitioned into a position of electricity surplus, marking a major shift from previous years characterized by power shortages and reliance on expensive emergency generation solutions.
The Prime Minister noted that the availability of surplus electricity presents new opportunities for economic expansion, particularly in attracting both local and foreign investment in energy-intensive industries. It also opens avenues for regional power trade, enabling Tanzania to export electricity to neighboring countries and strengthen its position as a key energy hub in East and Central Africa.
However, Dr. Nchemba emphasized that generation alone is not sufficient without a robust and reliable transmission and distribution network. In this regard, the Government is intensifying efforts to upgrade and expand electricity infrastructure to ensure that power generated reaches end users efficiently and consistently. He acknowledged that power outages have historically posed challenges to businesses and households, but assured
Parliament that ongoing investments in grid stabilization and modernization are aimed at significantly reducing such disruptions.
To further enhance reliability, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Energy to work closely with the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely allocation and disbursement of funds for critical projects, including the Grid Stabilization Initiative. This initiative is designed to strengthen the resilience of the national grid, minimize technical losses, and improve overall system performance.
A key priority outlined in the speech is the expansion of electricity access to underserved and unserved areas across the country. Dr. Nchemba stressed that inclusive development cannot be achieved if significant portions of the population remain without access to modern energy services. He therefore instructed the Ministry of Energy to accelerate electrification efforts in rural and peri-urban areas, ensuring that even remote communities are connected to the national grid or provided with alternative energy solutions.
Special attention is being given to critical institutions such as hospitals, health centers, dispensaries, schools, religious facilities, and water supply infrastructure. The Prime Minister emphasized that reliable electricity in these institutions is essential for improving service delivery, enhancing learning environments, ensuring effective healthcare provision, and supporting clean water access. Electrification of such facilities also contributes to broader social outcomes, including reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, improved educational performance, and enhanced community well-being.
Beyond electricity, the Government is also making significant strides in promoting the use of natural gas as a cleaner and more efficient energy source. Tanzania is endowed with substantial natural gas reserves, and the Government has prioritized the development of infrastructure to harness and utilize this resource effectively. Dr. Nchemba reported that between July 2025 and February 2026, the country’s gas distribution network expanded from 184.8 kilometers in the 2024/25 fiscal year to 243.6 kilometers. This expansion reflects a deliberate effort to extend gas supply to more users, including industries, institutions, and households.
In addition, 14 natural gas filling stations have been completed and are now operational, providing convenient access to gas for various applications. The increased adoption of natural gas is expected to reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and improved public health outcomes. It also supports industrial competitiveness by providing a cost-effective and reliable energy source for production processes.
The Prime Minister also addressed the Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the availability and affordability of petroleum products. He acknowledged that global and regional security dynamics, as well as fluctuations in international oil markets, can pose challenges to fuel supply and pricing. Nevertheless, the Government remains committed to maintaining stable and predictable fuel availability to support economic activities and protect consumers from excessive price volatility.
To strengthen energy security, Tanzania is investing in the expansion of fuel storage infrastructure. Dr. Nchemba highlighted the construction of a major fuel storage facility at the Dar es Salaam Port, with a capacity of 308,110 tons, which has already reached 30 percent completion. This facility is expected to significantly enhance the country’s ability to store petroleum products and manage supply fluctuations more effectively.
Similarly, the Government is expanding storage capacity at the Mtwara Port, increasing it from 29,280 tons to 110,221 tons. These investments are part of a broader strategy to build a resilient energy supply system capable of withstanding external shocks and ensuring continuous availability of essential energy resources.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 fiscal year, the Prime Minister outlined several key priorities that will guide the Government’s energy sector agenda. These include strengthening electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems to meet growing demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion. The Government will also intensify efforts to connect more households and communities to electricity, with a particular focus on areas that have not yet been reached.
Another major focus area is the continued development of the oil and gas sector, including exploration, transportation, storage, and distribution activities. The Government aims to maximize the economic benefits of these resources while ensuring environmental sustainability and compliance with international standards.
In line with global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development, the Government is also prioritizing the adoption of clean cooking energy solutions. Dr. Nchemba emphasized the importance of transitioning away from traditional cooking methods that rely on biomass fuels, which contribute to deforestation and indoor air pollution. The Government is therefore implementing programs to promote the use of cleaner alternatives such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and electric cooking technologies.
A key component of this effort is the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034, which aims to increase the proportion of households using clean cooking solutions. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration with the private sector in achieving this goal, noting that public-private partnerships will play a critical role in scaling up access to clean energy technologies and services.
Dr. Nchemba concluded his address by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Tanzanians have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services. He emphasized that the success of the country’s development agenda depends on the availability of energy to power industries, support innovation, and improve living standards.
He further noted that the Government’s energy initiatives are not only aimed at meeting current needs but also at laying a strong foundation for future generations. By investing in modern energy infrastructure, promoting clean energy solutions, and strengthening institutional capacity, Tanzania is positioning itself to achieve long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth.
In essence, the Prime Minister’s address painted a clear picture of a nation determined to harness the power of energy as a transformative force. With strategic investments, strong policy direction, and a commitment to sustainability, Tanzania is steadily advancing towards its vision of becoming a middle-income, industrialized economy driven by reliable and modern energy systems.
Na abdul Ramadnai Tanzania Dodoma
