IN efforts to promote cooperation and ensure reliable and affordable electricity, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has established various strategies to strengthen energy infrastructure in the region.

This was said during the 57th meeting of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) Committee, held in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The meeting aimed to discuss how member countries can collaborate to efficiently produce, transport and distribute electricity with the aim of reducing energy costs and improving electricity trade throughout the region.

Apart from the host Tanzania, other member countries participating in the meeting are Malawi, Zambia, Angola and Zimbabwe. Participants outlined strategies to generate sufficient electricity, connect regional power grids and utilise alternative sources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy.

The strategies are designed to address challenges related to electricity shortages, high distribution costs and the impacts of climate change on energy production.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy (electricity and renewable energy) Khatibu Kazungu, noted that Tanzania has made significant progress in electricity generation projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHHP) which currently generates 700 megawatts and is expected to reach 2115 megawatts upon completion.

Additionally, the government plans to produce 600 megawatts from solar energy and 5,000 megawatts from geothermal sources.

Kazungu said that the government is well prepared to implement strategies for electricity generation and distribution by enhancing existing energy sources and initiating new solar, hydro and geothermal projects.

He added that the efforts aim not only to meet domestic demands but also to provide opportunities to sell electricity to neighbouring countries like Zambia which currently faces energy supply challenges.

“Tanzania, as a leading country in renewable and traditional energy projects, is committed to continuing its collaboration with SADC to strengthen electricity infrastructure, connect remote regions to the national grid and invest in clean energy projects such as solar, wind and geothermal,” he said.

Costa Rubagunya, acting Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco), said that the company is focused on enhancing electricity production by collaborating with regional networks like SAPP.

Rubagunya noted that Tanzania’s integration into regional electricity networks will increase the country's capacity to sell electricity to other SADC nations, especially those experiencing energy shortages.

He elaborated that Tanzania will continue to invest in electricity projects to ensure the nation has sufficient power for domestic use and regional trade.

Steven Dihwa from Malawi, chairperson of the meeting, emphasized that regional cooperation on energy matters is essential for SADC countries to secure affordable and reliable electricity.

He mentioned that collaborative strategies to connect member countries to electricity grids are a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals across the region.