27th January 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA TO REAP ECONOMIC GAINS AS IT HOSTS AFRICAN ENERGY SUMMIT
Tanzania is set to reap substantial economic benefits as President Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan hosts the African Heads of State Summit on Energy in Dar es Salaam, beginning today, 27 January 2025. The two-day high-profile event aims to drive investments, create jobs, and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a key player in Africa’s energy sector.
The summit will bring together over 25 African heads of state, alongside prominent stakeholders in the energy industry, to discuss strategies for ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access across the continent. A central goal of the summit is to expand energy access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
Tanzania is expected to benefit from potential collaborations and infrastructure investments in the energy sector. Beyond policy deliberations, the summit is anticipated to inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Local transport operators, hotels, and vendors are likely to see increased demand for accommodation, meals, transportation, and other services during the event.
Economist Dr. Hamis Mwinyimvua from the University of Dar es Salaam emphasized that the summit’s impact extends beyond immediate economic gains. Taxation expert Dr. Balozi Morwa highlighted that tax revenues generated from businesses catering to summit attendees will strengthen government coffers. Overall, the summit provides a strategic platform for Tanzania to attract investment and foster long-term growth in its energy sector.
Source: The Citizen
TRC INTRODUCES COMMUTER TRAIN TO EASY TRANSPORT FOLLOWING ROAD CLOSURES IN DAR ES SALAAM
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has announced the launch of two additional commuter train services to ease transport disruptions in Dar es Salaam caused by the ongoing Mission 300 Energy Summit. The summit, which began on Monday, 27 January 2025, has necessitated the temporary closure of several major roads in the city to accommodate the arrival of dignitaries and participants.
The high-profile summit has drawn 25 African Heads of State, including President Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, alongside representatives from 21 other African nations and leaders from six international organizations. Chief Secretary Amb. Dr. Moses Kusiluka reported that the two-day event has attracted approximately 2,600 participants from both within Tanzania and abroad.
To support public transport during the road closures, which affect nine major roads from Saturday, 25 January for six days, TRC announced the introduction of two extra commuter train frequencies between Pugu and Kamata stations. All other train routes will continue to operate according to their regular schedule.
In addition, TRC confirmed that all Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) trains will now make a mandatory stop at Pugu station for passenger pick-up and drop-off, aiming to minimize the inconvenience caused by the road closures.
Source: The Citizen
WORLD BANK PRESIDENT COMMENDS TANZANIA ENERGY PROGRESS, CALLING FOR STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS AFRICA
The President of the World Bank, Mr. Ajay Banga, has praised Tanzania for its remarkable achievements in expanding electricity access to a large portion of its population within a relatively short period. Speaking at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam on Monday, 27 January 2025, Mr. Banga emphasized the need for collective efforts across the continent to meet Africa’s ambitious energy targets. He particularly called for stronger partnerships with the private sector to support sustainable energy initiatives.
Mr. Banga reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to backing energy projects across Africa and highlighted the summit’s aim to build upon previous agreements made by 12 countries to develop strategies that will extend electricity access to 300 million people.
In reference to regional collaboration, Mr. Banga commended Tanzania’s ongoing energy initiatives with four neighbouring countries, noting that discussions with a fifth partner are already underway. Earlier during the summit, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, highlighted the country’s electricity growth, noting that at independence, Tanzania had only 21 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which has now increased to over 3,160 MW. Dr. Biteko also emphasized Tanzania’s strengthened regional energy ties, connecting its power grid with Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
Responding to these achievements, Mr. Banga remarked that Tanzania’s model of regional cooperation is precisely the type of initiative the World Bank seeks to replicate across the continent.
Source: The Citizen
CONCERNS RISING IN TANZANIA OVER SUDDEN AND STEEP TOURISM FEE INCREASES
Concerns are growing within Tanzania’s tourism sector following the government’s announcement of significant fee increases for tourists and service providers accessing game-protected areas. The increases, implemented through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), were published just a week ago and have left many operators struggling to manage the additional costs, especially given that most tours are booked a year or more in advance.
TAWA’s Communication Officer, Mr. Beatus Maganja, emphasized that stakeholders were consulted during meetings held on 11 July 2024 in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and their inputs were considered. The new rates, now available on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s portal, show fee hikes of up to 650 percent for tourists, tour guides, drivers, and vehicles entering Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other protected zones.
Tour operators are particularly concerned as they are responsible for collecting these fees on behalf of the government. Mr. Henry Kimambo, Vice Chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), warned that “by the end of the day, these tour firms will be overburdened and swerve off the road.”
The sharp increases are already affecting tourist behavior, with many travelers opting for more affordable destinations such as national parks or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), where fee hikes do not apply. Unlike TANAPA and NCAA, which provide a year’s notice for fee adjustments, TAWA’s rates were introduced without prior warning, catching the industry off guard. TATO and other tourism associations appealed to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, only to be informed that the rates had already been officially published in the government gazette.
28th January 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA TO GENERATE 2463 MW FROM RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2030
Tanzania is prioritizing a substantial increase in electricity production as part of its national energy strategy, with plans to add 2,463 megawatts (MW) to its current capacity of 3,431 MW by 2030. Addressing the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit on 28 January, President Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan unveiled the strategy, emphasizing the use of solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable sources to meet growing energy demands and support sustainable development goals.
The national strategy focuses on three key priorities:
- Increasing Electricity Production:
Tanzania currently produces 3,431 MW of power, with 58 percent generated from hydro, 35 percent from gas, and 7 percent from other renewable sources. The plan aims to increase this capacity by 2,463 MW by 2030, harnessing solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources. - Strengthening Regional Electricity Trade:
Tanzania seeks to solidify its position as a key electricity trading hub in the East and Southern African regions. The country is already connected to power grids in Burundi and Kenya, with plans to link with Zambia and Uganda. This expansion will enhance trade within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and enable Tanzania to export surplus electricity, especially as domestic demand is projected to reach 1,888 MW by November 2024. - Electrifying Remaining Hamlets:
The strategy aims to extend electricity access to all 64,359 hamlets nationwide. Currently, 32,827 hamlets are electrified, with an additional 20,000 under development, leaving 11,532 hamlets to be covered.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA SEEKS USD 1.3 BILLION FOR ENERGY TRANSFORMATION
Tanzania has announced a USD 13 billion funding requirement to implement key energy reforms aimed at boosting electricity supply, promoting clean cooking solutions, and expanding access to power in rural areas. The commitment was made by President Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan on 28 January 2025 during her opening remarks at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, which ran from 27 to 28 January.
The summit, attended by over 20 Heads of State and major development partners such as the World Bank (WB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), served as a platform for discussing Africa’s energy future. President Samia outlined Tanzania’s strategic priorities, including the launch of a national energy compact aimed at increasing electricity connectivity to 72% by 2030.
This initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader energy goals and is expected to significantly improve power access nationwide. In her speech, President Hassan revealed that the country plans to raise USD 5 billion of the required funds from the private sector, as part of a comprehensive national strategy designed to address four key energy priorities.
Source: The Citizen
TRUMP SAYS MICROSOFT IS IN TALKS TO ACQUIRE TIKTOK
US President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday, 27 January 2025, that Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok and that he would like to see a bidding war over the app. Microsoft declined to comment, while TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment outside regular business hours.
TikTok, which has about 170 million American users, was briefly taken offline just before a law requiring its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell the app on national security grounds or face a ban took effect on 19 January. After assuming office on 20 January, President Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the law by 75 days.
Trump said last week that he was in talks with multiple parties over TikTok’s future and would likely make a decision within 30 days. He has previously indicated openness to billionaire Elon Musk purchasing the app if the Tesla CEO wished to do so, though Musk has not publicly commented on the idea.
More recently, AI startup Perplexity AI made a proposal on Sunday, 26 January, to merge with TikTok, offering the U.S. government up to a 50 percent stake in the new company, according to a source cited by Reuters. The latest discussions mark the second time Microsoft has been considered a potential buyer for TikTok. Trump recalled that in 2021, the U.S. government had set “a particular set of requirements, and then it just disappeared.”
Source: The Citizen
IMF HIGHLIGHTS USD 25 BILLION YEARLY BOOST NEEDED FOR AFRICA’S ENERGY TRANSITION
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that a modest investment of USD 25 billion annually in Africa’s renewable energy sector could increase electricity production by 20%. With renewable energy positioned at the heart of Africa’s potential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainability, IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Bo Li, emphasized that such investment could also boost GDP growth by 0.8 percent each year over the next decade.
Speaking at the “Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit” in Dar es Salaam, Mr. Bo Li outlined the critical role of renewable energy in transforming the continent. He stressed to more than 1,000 delegates at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) that African governments must lead efforts to attract sustainable financing.
Mr. Bo Li noted that strengthening governance and transparency, implementing sound regulations, and enacting reforms are vital to increase sustainable finance flows. He pointed to instruments such as power-purchase agreements, feed-in tariffs, and renewable energy targets as key tools to assure investors of future returns.
The IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST) has emerged as a crucial initiative to support African countries in addressing energy and climate challenges. Mr. Bo Li highlighted that the IMF’s USD 48 billion RST is helping vulnerable nations build resilience, with USD 10 billion already approved for 21 countries—more than half of which are in Africa.
Source: The Citizen
USAID FUNDING HALT PUTS TANZANIA NGOs, AGRICULTURE AT RISK
Over 60 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in Tanzania’s agricultural value chain, particularly those supporting youth and women, face disruption following the United States’ announcement of a 90-day suspension on foreign aid.
The policy shift, effective from 24 January 2025, has raised concerns across sectors reliant on USAID funding, including agriculture and healthcare. Stakeholders are urging the Tanzanian government to review national projects to ensure essential services, including the supply of medicines, remain available.
USAID’s decision to halt all new funding obligations and sub-obligations under Development Objective Agreements (DOAGs) follows an Executive Order reassessing US foreign aid. While initially set for up to 30 days, the suspension may lead to a complete withdrawal of funding for some projects, heightening concerns among partner nations.
Agricultural experts warn that Tanzania’s farming sector will be directly affected. Mr. Malembo Lucus, an agribusiness expert and founder of Malembo Farm in Tanzania and Kenya, stated that about 65 NGOs in the country many focused on horticulture depend on USAID, with some receiving up to 30 percent of their funding from the agency.
Horticulture is increasingly vital to Tanzania’s economy. Official figures from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) indicate that earnings from horticultural exports reached USD 496.2 million in the year ending October 2024, up from USD 414.6 million the previous year, driven mainly by vegetable exports.
Source: The Citizen
AfDB AND WORLD BANK COMMIT USD 40 BILLION TO TRANSFORM AFRICA’S ENERGY ACCESS
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank have jointly pledged USD 40 billion to the “Mission 300” initiative, which aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people across Africa by 2030.
Speaking at the Africa Mission 300 Summit, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina underscored the pivotal role of energy in driving Africa’s economic growth. He noted that inadequate electricity access reduces the continent’s GDP by 2–4 percent annually, undermining development efforts.
Dr. Adesina highlighted progress since the AfDB launched the New Deal on Energy for Africa in 2016. Electricity access has increased from 39 percent in 2015 to 52 percent in 2024. However, Africa’s energy gap remains significant, with more than 571 million people still lacking electricity—equivalent to 83 percent of the global population without access. He added that over one billion Africans also lack clean cooking solutions, a challenge that disproportionately affects women and children.
The Mission 300 initiative, launched in partnership with World Bank President Ajay Banga, is expected to bridge this gap and transform Africa’s energy sector. The AfDB has committed USD 18.2 billion, while the World Bank has pledged USD 22 billion.
Additional support has come from global partners. The Rockefeller Foundation has provided USD 20 million in technical assistance to prepare country-specific energy plans. The Islamic Development Bank pledged USD 2.65 billion, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank committed USD 1.5 billion, and the OPEC Fund announced USD 1 billion. The French government is also expected to make a significant contribution.
Source: Public Private Partnership Centre (PPPC)
AFRICAN MINISTERS STRESS PPP IN ENERGY FINANCING
Ministers from various African countries have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) and embracing innovative financing models to expand energy access across the continent.
This consensus was highlighted during presentations by ministers responsible for Energy and Finance at the opening of the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam yesterday. The summit focused on addressing the challenges of energy poverty and achieving universal access by 2030.
The ministers emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and development partners to accelerate investments in renewable energy, grid expansion, and off-grid solutions. They stressed that Africa’s energy future depends on bold initiatives that merge financial innovation with strong policy frameworks.
Host Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, noted that a third of Tanzania’s energy sector financing requirements could be obtained from private financing, underscoring the potential role of PPPs in meeting the continent’s energy goals.
29th January 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA WILDILIFE AUTHORITY RESPONDS TO CONCERS OVER NEW TOURISM FEES
The government, through the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), has acknowledged concerns raised by tourism stakeholders regarding the new fees that came into effect on 17 January 2025. Speaking on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, TAWA Commissioner, Mr. Mlage Kabange, stated that the authority has taken note of the stakeholders’ concerns and plans to meet with them again to discuss the matter further.
This statement from TAWA came just two days after tourism stakeholders held a press conference in Arusha, where they strongly opposed the new fees for tourist entry into game reserves and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
Mr. Kabange emphasized that no regulations are passed without prior consultation. He explained that every decision was discussed, deliberated, and agreed upon before implementation. However, since concerns have been raised, the ministry has instructed TAWA to return to the table with stakeholders to gain further understanding of the issues, after which feedback will be provided.
Earlier, tourism stakeholders, including the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), had rejected the newly announced fees for Wildlife Management Areas, arguing that they are excessively high and beyond their financial capacity.
30th January 2025
Source: The Citizen
PARLIAMENT DELAYS SPECIAL STATUS FOR TANZANIAN DIASPORA
National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson, has once again removed the amendments to the Immigration Act, Chapter 54. The proposed amendments sought to introduce a special status procedure, known as the Diaspora Tanzanite Card, for Tanzanians holding citizenship in other countries.
Parliament has also removed the amendments to the Land Act, Chapter 113, which were part of the Miscellaneous Amendments Bill No. 4 of 2024. These provisions were designed to establish a procedure that would allow special-status individuals the right to own land in Tanzania through a special title deed. However, both the Immigration Act and Land Act amendments were withdrawn for further work by Parliament.
This marks the second time these sections have been removed. Initially, the Attorney General, Hon. Mr. Hamza Johari, withdrew them in September 2024, citing the need for more time to refine the issues. Now, in January 2025, Speaker Hon. Dr. Ackson has confirmed their removal once again, even as other sections of the bill are ready for presentation.
It is worth noting that on November 8, 2024, the government reintroduced the amendments into the bill, which was later sent to the Parliamentary Committee on the Constitution and Legal Affairs for analysis. However, on January 29, 2025, just before the bill was scheduled for a second reading in Parliament, Dr. Ackson directed the Attorney General not to present the two sections concerning the Immigration and Land Acts, stating they were still under review.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA, BURUNDI AGREE TO START TZS 5 TRILION SGR PROJECT
The Governments Of Tanzania And Burundi have signed an agreement to commence the construction of a 282-kilometre modern railway between Uvinza and Musongati. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, valued at Sh5.38 trillion, is expected to be completed within six years. It is projected to stimulate economic growth in four key sectors: electricity, mining, telecommunications, and trade between the two nations.
A Chinese company, CREGC & CREDC, has been awarded the contract, with construction set to begin in two weeks, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Tanzanian Ministry Of Transport, Hon. Prof. Godius Kahyarara.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony yesterday, Prof. Kahyarara highlighted that multiple countries have expressed interest in joining the SGR network. He said Burundi has joined, DRC has joined, and the railway is a great opportunity because it boosts the business of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).
This modern railway is more than just for transporting cargo and passengers; it can also transmit electricity. Some 300 megawatts are no small matter, but TRC can handle it.
Source: Daily News
DAR ES SALAAM DECLARATION TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC GROWTH
Academics and analysts have praised the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, adopted by African Heads of State, as a potential game-changer for expanding electricity access and driving economic growth across the continent. They emphasized the need for swift and comprehensive implementation to ensure meaningful transformation of Africa’s energy landscape.
The declaration was adopted during the African Energy Summit, co-organized by the World Bank and the African Development Bank at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam. The summit convened about 25 African Heads of State, more than 40 heads of international organizations, 25 energy-focused billionaires, and over 1,500 delegates to chart a new path for sustainable energy access in Africa.
The declaration underscores Africa’s commitment—working with global development partners, philanthropies, and the private sector—to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030. It calls for investment in clean cooking solutions, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and expanded infrastructure to deliver affordable energy. Backed by National Energy Compacts signed by 12 pilot countries, including Tanzania, the initiative targets raising electricity access in Tanzania from 46% to 75% by 2030.
Under the Mission 300 initiative, Tanzania aims to connect 8.3 million households. Economist and investment banker Dr. Hildebrand Shayo expressed optimism that sustainable electricity for homes, schools, and hospitals would uplift living standards, health, and education, fostering a more productive workforce. He further noted that Mission 300 partners have pledged nearly USD 50 billion (about TSh127 trillion) for energy access in Tanzania, a move expected to draw private sector investment and stimulate infrastructure growth.
Professor Humphrey Moshi, a renowned economist and founding director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, applauded the shift toward renewable sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. He stressed that solar power, given Africa’s average of 12 hours of sunshine per day, offers the continent a unique advantage in combating climate change and energy shortages.
Dr. Isaac Safari, an economist at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), voiced confidence in Tanzania’s commitment under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. He highlighted the importance of clean cooking solutions, which would reduce the burden on women in rural areas, and called for strong public engagement to maximize the economic benefits of electricity. Dr. Safari also urged African leaders to involve academics in energy research to strengthen reliability and unlock the continent’s full economic potential.
FIN & LAW -TANZANIA WEEKLY LEGAL DIGEST- 27 to 31 January 2025
