THE European Union has pledged over 3 trn/- to support Tanzania’s energy sector, strengthening its role in clean energy, regional integration, and infrastructure development under the Global Gateway Initiative.

The announcement came during Europe Day 2025 celebrations in Dar es Salaam recently, which also marked 50 years of EU-Tanzania relations and 25 years of cooperation between the EU and the African Union. 

The event brought together senior government officials, ambassadors from EU member states, civil society, youth, media, and members of the diplomatic community.

EU Ambassador to Tanzania Christine Grau said the partnership is now a strategic collaboration focused on mutual priorities.

Under the Global Gateway strategy, the EU has committed EUR 990 million to Tanzania’s energy sector. This includes EUR 191.9 million for clean energy access and cross-border electricity integration.

Key projects include the Kakono Hydropower Plant, valued at EUR 299 million with an EU contribution of EUR 36 million, and interconnector projects with Zambia and Uganda worth EUR 604.4 million.

The EU is also investing in clean cooking solutions, with EUR 30 million already in place and an additional EUR 20 million allocated for a new regional programme. More funding is expected to support energy infrastructure for agriculture and mining.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo welcomed the EU’s continued support and its alignment with Tanzania’s Vision 2050.

Guests at the event also met young women pursuing careers in energy through scholarships supported by the EU, UNDP, and the Embassy of Ireland. The programme awarded 25 new scholarships in November 2024, bringing the total to 35 under Tanzania’s first Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

The EU has spent EUR 65 million in the past seven years to connect over a third of Tanzanian villages to electricity, improving access for more than one million rural residents.

A new phase of cooperation is planned for 2026, focusing on climate resilience, youth employment, sustainable growth, and democratic governance.