The implementation of the Julius Nyerere Hydro-Electric Power Project (JNHPP) is positioning Tanzania as an energy hub.

This was revealed by Herman Zaidin, managing director of HBZ International, during the opening of the Tanzania’s first-ever energy investment summit held on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam.

Zaidin underscored Tanzania’s progress in energy development and the sector’s attractiveness for investors. 

He said energy sector is pivotal to Tanzania’s economic growth, and the summit provided a platform to showcase the country’s advancements and opportunities.

“With the fruition of projects like the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project, Tanzania is positioning itself as an energy hub in East Africa,” he said. 

The East African energy sector has experienced notable development over the past decade, driven by a combination of growing energy demand, investments in renewable energy, and significant policy changes aimed at boosting energy access and sustainability.

The summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to chart the future of sustainable energy in the country. 

Organized by HBZ International and the Tanzania Association of Oil Marketing Companies (TAOMAC), and supported by strategic partners such as TANTRADE and TPSF, the summit aimed to highlight investment opportunities and Tanzania’s emerging role as a regional energy hub.

TAOMAC’s Executive Director, Raphael Mgaya, echoed the sentiments, highlighting Tanzania’s strides in the energy sector and emphasizing the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable growth. 

“This summit comes at a pivotal time, aligning with Tanzania’s strategic ambitions in the regional energy market,” said Mgaya.

Mgaya said the summit has offered an invaluable platform for dialogue and collaboration to shape the future of the country’s energy sector. 

Al Shiddiq, Director of Ansync Global, a leading logistics company expressed positive sentiments for Tanzania as a sustainable and sound investment destination for international companies.

Raphael Maganga, executive director, Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing sustainable investments.

On his part, discussant Salim Baabde explored strategies for ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability in energy investment. 

Panel discussions provided participants with insights into Tanzania’s regulatory and legal frameworks for energy investment. 

Moderated by Dr. FAyaz Bhojani, the discussions included contributions from industry leaders like Noel Shiyo of CNS Group and Kennedy Rwehumbiza from TPSF, who addressed challenges and potential avenues for energy sector investment.

Additionally, the summit featured the panel “Sustainability and Success for Tanzania’s Energy Landscape,” moderated by Salim Baabde, director of the local oil company, explored strategies for ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability. 

Baabde further explored strategies for ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability in energy investment. 

Speakers, including Marsha Msuya of TotalEnergies and representatives from the Tanzania Investment Centre, discussed Tanzania’s forward-looking plans for a resilient energy future.