Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to regional energy cooperation during a high-level meeting of Energy Ministers from member states of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP).
The two-day ministerial meeting, which began on April 16, 2025, concluded today in Kampala, Uganda.
The EAPP brings together countries in Eastern Africa to promote cross-border electricity trade and strengthen the interconnectedness of national power grids.
The platform is seen as vital to addressing energy supply challenges, reducing costs, and enabling shared access to sustainable energy solutions.
In his remarks, Dr. Biteko emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving regional development through energy.
“Tanzania strongly believes in the power of partnerships. By working together as a region, we can ensure that our citizens access reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity,” he said.
“Electricity is the engine of modern economies. If we are serious about industrialization and improving livelihoods, we must invest in integrated energy infrastructure,” he added.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed the status of ongoing regional energy projects, assessed progress in regulatory harmonization, and explored opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind into the regional grid system.
Dr. Biteko also highlighted Tanzania’s efforts in transforming its energy landscape, citing large-scale initiatives that are not only meant to meet domestic demand but also to boost regional power trade.
“Projects like the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant demonstrate our vision of becoming a regional energy hub. We are expanding our transmission capacity to enable power exports and support neighboring countries,” he noted.
Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, who hosted the meeting, praised the collective commitment of member states to deepening energy cooperation.
“This meeting is a testament to our shared vision. We must continue to build trust, align our policies, and invest in the infrastructure that connects us,” she said.
“The EAPP is not just a platform it is a foundation for transforming lives through electricity.”
The ministers concluded the meeting with a joint communique reaffirming their dedication to strengthening the EAPP Secretariat, accelerating the implementation of regional power projects, and mobilizing resources through public-private partnerships.
Established in 2005, the EAPP includes member countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Through such regional cooperation, member states aim to reduce energy poverty and support inclusive economic growth.