On December 31, 2024, President
Samia spoke to the nation from the Tunguu State House in Zanzibar, reflecting
on the country's achievements and progress as the year came to a close.
She highlighted Tanzania's strong
economic growth of 5.4% in the first half of 2024, an increase from the
previous year’s 4.8%, which has been a driving force behind the country's
development in sectors such as energy, mining, and transportation.
In particular, President Samia
pointed to the significant strides made in the energy sector, which saw several
international conferences focused on energy production.
These meetings, hosted in Arusha
and Dar es Salaam, brought together global stakeholders to discuss clean
cooking energy, geothermal, and renewable energy.
Tanzania’s leadership in energy projects has
positioned the country as a key player on the global stage, with plans to host
an international energy conference in January 2025, organized by the World Bank
and the African Development Bank.
Tanzania’s progress in electricity
access has been remarkable, with a 37.7% increase in access between 2011 and
2020, as reported by the World Bank.
This success is largely
attributed to the country's growing use of renewable energy sources, including
biomass, mini-hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind power, which are already in
operation or under construction.
The G20 summit in Brazil
recognized Tanzania’s efforts, particularly its campaign for clean cooking
energy, a cause that President Samia has passionately championed throughout
2024.
Additionally, her visit to South Korea secured
$2.5 billion in concessional financing for key development projects, including
the Nyakanazi power distribution center, which will contribute to a more stable
energy supply.
Another important initiative highlighted
by President Samia was "Kumtua Mama Ndoo Kichwani" loosely
translated as, Relieving Women from Carrying Buckets on Their Heads, which
focuses on water, electricity, and agriculture projects.
The ongoing Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam
project, which has generated 3,119 megawatts of electricity, is now 99%
complete and will soon significantly reduce electricity costs for Tanzanians
across the country.
Fuel prices have been decreasing
for five consecutive months, and Tanzania is on track to exceed its
"Energy for All" goal of 75% electricity access by 2025, thanks to
the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and organizations like Tanesco.
Reliable electricity is
transforming Tanzania’s economy, paving the way for the growth of manufacturing
industries.
The Tanzania Investment Center
recorded 865 new projects worth $7.7 billion, further solidifying the country’s
economic potential. The government is committed to continuing its energy
projects and improving services to ensure ongoing growth and development throughout
the nation.