In a decade of remarkable growth, Tanzania has nearly doubled its electricity generation, pushing its capacity to an unprecedented 10,266 GWh, and extended high-voltage power lines across the nation. Yet, the stark contrast between these strides and the daily blackouts plaguing the country, particularly in Dar es Salaam, has sparked a heated debate on the true state of Tanzania’s energy sector.
The crux of the issue, as a senior Tanesco official reveals, lies not in the much-maligned electric train or generation capacity, but in the antiquated distribution infrastructure. This aging network, struggling to maintain a steady flow of electricity, is the real culprit behind the persistent power cuts. The train, consuming a modest 60MW, is barely a blip on the grid’s radar.
The surge in generation capacity, bolstered by investments from development finance institutions and the government, has catapulted Tanzania to a pivotal role in the East African power pool. The Backbone Transmission Investment Project (BTIP) has amplified transmission capabilities, interconnecting Tanzania with its neighbours and paving the way for energy exports to Kenya, Ethiopia, and beyond. Yet, the stark reality remains: nearly half of Tanzania’s population is still in the dark, with an energy consumption per capita stuck below 0.2 MWh.
The BTIP, backed by an impressive coalition of funders, has enabled Tanzania to flip the switch on its cross-border energy trade. With Kenya’s grid now connected, and Ethiopia in the pipeline, the stage is set for a regional energy market. However, the stark contrast between Tanzania’s export ambitions and its domestic blackouts raises pressing questions about the country’s energy policy.
The stark disparity between generation growth and stagnant energy access has not gone unnoticed. Energy Minister Doto Biteko acknowledges the need for more investments to bolster infrastructure and bridge the access gap. The government’s ambitious plans to boost connectivity and access are commendable, but they also highlight the daunting challenges that lie ahead.
The current state of affairs raises critical questions about the focus and priorities of Tanzania’s energy strategy. Should the country prioritize regional energy exports at the expense of domestic stability and access? What is the role of private sector players in bolstering Tanzania’s distribution infrastructure? And how can Tanzania leverage its generation prowess to stimulate industrial growth and economic development?
As Tanzania grapples with these questions, one thing is clear: the energy landscape is evolving, and so must the strategies to harness its full potential. The country’s trajectory in the energy sector will not only shape its own development but also ripple through the broader East African market. The stakes are high, and the world is watching. Tanzania’s next move could very well set the tone for Africa’s energy future.
