BRITAIN is adding £8.5m in funding for the sustainable energy fund for Africa (SEFA) run by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the UK High Commission has stated.

Marianne Young, the resident high commissioner, said in a statement released in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the increase is intended to unlock private sector investments to enhance sustainable energy access across the continent.

Highlighting the critical role of clean energy in driving economic growth, the UK said that Mission 300 is a key opportunity to come together to accelerate the global clean energy transition.

“Clean energy is vital for achieving faster, greener growth, powering new businesses, increasing trade and delivering sustainable economic benefits for both the UK and Tanzania,” the envoy asserted.

Rachel Kyte, the UK special representative for climate, currently in Tanzania for the Mission 300 Africa energy summit, emphasized the transformative potential of clean energy.

“Reliable, affordable and clean energy is the cornerstone of economic growth and development. Modern grids and renewable energy solutions offer opportunities for inclusive growth, ending energy poverty, building resilience and addressing the global challenge of climate change,” the climate executive declared.

The UK is working with partners across Africa to connect millions of people with cleaner, more efficient power, she stated, pleased to support Mission 300. The UK reaffirms its commitment to shared sustainable development goals especially in Africa, she further noted.

As Tanzania’s second-largest foreign investor, the UK is deepening its trade and investment ties with the country, she stated, elaborating that this partnership focuses on critical areas such as climate action, infrastructure development and economic growth—creating jobs and fostering sustainable growth for both nations.

“The UK-Tanzania collaboration reflects a commitment to mutual respect and long-term, inclusive growth. By addressing pressing challenges like climate change, the two nations are working to drive sustainable economic transformation and improve the quality of life for Tanzanians,” the statement pursued.

The representative will also participate in key discussions on expanding electricity access across Africa, after announcing the UK’s £8.5m contribution to SEFA.

It is designed to catalyse renewable energy projects, enhance clean energy access for millions and support green economic growth, it said.

The UK remains a trusted partner in Tanzania’s development journey, with a range of ongoing initiatives including climate change programming.

Through a £9m investment, the UK is promoting clean cooking technologies, advancing energy innovations and improving urban waste management. These efforts are intended to enhance urban resilience, reduce deforestation and curb air pollution, it stated.

Another initiative is the UK-funded green growth facility (GGF) supporting the development of a net metering policy for Zanzibar. Backed by £200,000, this initiative will allow renewable energy producers to inject surplus power into the grid, benefiting both producers and the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO), it said.

“These initiatives underscore the UK’s commitment to fostering renewable energy and advancing sustainable development, encouraging private sector participation and investment in Tanzania’s energy sector,” it added.