Tanzania recognised as model for universal electricity access in Africa
Tanzania has been lauded by development partners, including the World Bank, for its impressive strides in providing universal electricity access.
Nearly every village in Tanzania is now connected to the national grid, with ongoing efforts to extend electricity to more remote areas.
During a panel discussion at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, commended the Tanzanian government’s efforts to electrify both urban and rural regions, which has empowered citizens to boost their economies with reliable power. He described Tanzania as a "lighthouse" for other African nations to emulate.
"This is something we need across the continent," Banga said. "Tanzania serves as a lighthouse and beacon for others to follow."
The summit, which kicked off at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), aims to accelerate electricity access throughout Africa. The Energy Compact initiative, which was launched during the event, aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030, with a focus on setting achievable goals for each nation.
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), praised Tanzania's success and suggested that neighbouring countries learn from its strong electric access methods.
“We cannot develop in the dark,” Dr Adesina said, emphasizing the need for partnerships to bring power to the millions still living without it.
