YOUNG innovators in the country have been urged to grab opportunities in renewable energy as a means to earn a living and safeguard the environment.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of Renewable Energy Week (REW2025) held recently in Dar es Salaam, Prof Evelyne Mbede from the School of Geothermal Science at the University of Dar es Salaam emphasized the critical role of renewable energy in the country's future.

“There is great potential for young innovators to make a real impact by using renewable energy to lower death rates and minimize environmental harm,” she said.

 “As a key stakeholder in this subsector, I believe renewable energy is essential in addressing both public health and environmental challenges.”

Prof. Mbede highlighted the global shift towards sustainable energy, noting that Tanzania must not be left behind.

“These exhibitions are significant—not just for Tanzania but for the world—especially as we approach a critical period of energy transition,” she stated.

 “We cannot talk about energy transition without integrating renewable energy solutions. In the past, we relied on different sources of power but going forward, we must align our strategies with the planet’s needs. If we are to meet our 2030 development goals, investment in diverse renewable energy technologies is crucial.”

Reflecting on the week's activities, Prof. Mbede praised the enthusiasm and innovation shown by youth.

“This has been an exciting week. As we close this event, we are also launching a new season of Innovation Week,” she added.

“Young people actively extend electricity access to off-grid areas. Thanks to solar energy, health dispensaries in remote regions are now powered and lives are being saved.”

Mathew Matimbwi, Executive Director of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), highlighted some of the tangible outcomes from the exhibition, including the exhibition of groundbreaking technologies.

“One of the key successes of this initiative has been the showcasing of transformative innovations. Tanzania is now capable of developing large-scale renewable energy projects,” he noted.

He reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between innovators, policymakers and the private sector to scale up renewable energy solutions across the country.

Earlier in his opening remarks on REW 2025, Energy Commissioner at the Ministry of Energy Innocent Luoga said the event provided a critical space for dialogue between public and private sectors, with the goal of accelerating the shift from conventional to renewable energy sources.

“Tanzania has made tremendous strides in expanding energy access, improving reliability and promoting sustainability.

In 2011, only 14 percent of the population had access to electricity. By 2020, that number had risen to 78.4 percent with power extended to all villages across the country,” he said.