A few weeks ago, Tanzania hosted the Africa Energy Summit, a momentous event that brought together leaders, experts, and investors from across the continent to discuss the future of energy.

The summit was not only a platform to showcase Tanzania’s potential in the energy sector but also an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s ability to organize and host international events of such magnitude.

In preparation for the summit, significant efforts were made to ensure that the country presented itself in the best possible light. These efforts highlighted Tanzania’s capacity to achieve high standards when focused on a goal.

During the summit, President Samia Suluhu Hassan outlined the country’s key priorities in the energy sector. One major focus is to increase electricity production through a diversified energy mix, aiming to add a significant amount of energy from solar, natural gas, wind, geothermal, and other sources by 2030. 

Another critical goal was to leverage Tanzania’s strategic geographic position to connect regional power pools, enabling electricity trade across the region and positioning Tanzania as a key energy exporter. 

Additionally, efforts are underway to expand electricity access to all sub-villages, having already electrified all villages and a substantial number of sub-villages, with ongoing work to connect the remaining ones. 

Lastly, Tanzania is committed to promoting clean cooking energy solutions, addressing the heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal by significantly increasing the use of clean cooking energy by 2034, thereby reducing poverty, health risks, environmental degradation, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and gender inequality.

While the summit was a success, it also opened up an important conversation: what if the level of excellence seen during the summit became a regular part of life in Tanzania? Imagine a Tanzania where the quality of infrastructure, cleanliness, and security is consistently high, not just during special events but as an everyday reality. This vision is not far-fetched; in fact, the recent improvements demonstrate that it is entirely possible.

The government’s efforts to prepare for the summit show that Tanzania has the capacity to achieve remarkable results. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and make these improvements a consistent part of governance. 

For instance, regular maintenance of infrastructure could prevent issues like potholes from arising in the first place, saving time and resources in the long run. Similarly, a sustained focus on cleanliness and waste management could transform our cities and towns into healthier, more attractive places to live and work.

Security, too, is an area where consistency matters. The measures taken during the summit ensured a safe and peaceful environment for all participants. If such measures are maintained, they could foster a sense of safety and confidence among Tanzanians and visitors alike, encouraging investment and tourism.

The Africa Energy Summit was not just about energy; it was also a reflection of Tanzania’s potential to excel on the global stage. The improvements made for the event are a glimpse of what the country can achieve when it sets its mind to it. 

By building on this momentum, Tanzania can create a future where high standards are not just for special occasions but are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Other countries have shown that consistent efforts in infrastructure, cleanliness, and security can lead to transformative results. For example, Rwanda has become known for its clean cities and efficient public services, which are maintained through a culture of discipline and regular upkeep. 

Similarly, countries like Singapore have set global benchmarks for urban planning and cleanliness by prioritizing long-term strategies over short-term fixes. Tanzania can draw inspiration from these examples and adopt similar approaches to ensure that progress is sustained and inclusive.

This is an opportunity for the government and citizens to work together toward a shared goal: a Tanzania that thrives every day, not just during international events. By prioritizing consistent improvements in infrastructure, cleanliness, and security, the country can ensure that the benefits of progress are felt by everyone, from bustling cities to rural villages.

The Energy Summit may be over, but its legacy can live on if we use it as a stepping stone toward a brighter, more sustainable future. Let’s take inspiration from the success of the summit and strive to make Tanzania a place where excellence is not an exception but a way of life. By doing so, we can create a nation that not only impresses visitors during events but also provides a high quality of life for its citizens every single day.

In the end, the true measure of success will not be in the greatness of the summit but in the lasting improvements that benefit all Tanzanians. Let’s seize this moment to build a Tanzania that shines not just on the global stage but in the everyday lives of its people.

Joyce Chirwa, previously served as the Assistant Program Officer for Advocacy and Engagement at Twaweza, she is currently pursuing further studies in the Czech Republic.