TANZANIA'S remarkable progress and efficiency in implementing its energy projects have garnered significant international attention at the recent Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town. The country's strides in rural electrification, which have connected 12,318 villages, and the ongoing development of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) were particularly highlighted.

This notable success, which also includes advancements in regional power transmission initiatives, has spurred Lesotho to express a strong interest in a study visit to Tanzania. The aim is for Lesotho to learn directly from Tanzania's experiences to enhance its own electricity sector.

Speaking at the forum, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, conveyed a message of pride to Tanzanians regarding the energy sector's robust performance. He emphasized that the country is increasingly viewed as a model across the African continent.

"Tanzanians might not fully realise this, but Tanzania is highly regarded by other nations, especially in the energy sector where we continue to excel," Engineer Mramba stated. He elaborated that due to this strong showing, government representatives from Lesotho formally conveyed their desire for Tanzania to collaborate on improving their national electricity situation.

Mramba underscored the critical role of the energy sector in a nation's economy, asserting that sustainable economic growth is intrinsically linked to the availability of sufficient and reliable energy.

During the forum, Engineer Mramba also stressed the vital importance of private sector involvement in energy projects. He noted that as Tanzania's economy expands, the nation is intensifying its focus on power generation, transmission, and distribution, making private sector participation indispensable.

He specifically extended an invitation to investors to explore opportunities in power transmission infrastructure. Mramba affirmed the government's commitment to further interconnecting Tanzania with neighboring countries. Currently, Tanzania's electricity grid is linked with Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, with future plans to extend connections to Zambia and Uganda.

The Tanzanian delegation at the Africa Energy Forum capitalised on the opportunity to engage in discussions with various investors who expressed keen interest in investing in Tanzania's burgeoning energy sector.