TABORA, Tanzania—Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy,Dr. Doto Biteko, has said the ongoing construction of the TCPM Concrete Pole Factory in Tabora will not only meet the region's electricity infrastructure needs but also play a vital role in stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
Once completed, the factory will produce up to 120 concrete poles per day an indication of both the high demand and the government's commitment to modernizing power distribution infrastructure.
Dr. Biteko noted that demand for concrete poles continues to rise, creating a significant market opportunity for TCPM.
Speaking on April 3, 2025, after laying the foundation stone for the factory, Dr. Biteko praised the company’s progress, reporting that 73 percent of the construction is already complete.
“I commend TCPM and all stakeholders involved for their commitment to this important project. I am confident that the remaining work will be completed efficiently and within the set timeframe,” he said.
Dr. Biteko urged TCPM to finalize the project within the next two months and instructed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to disburse TZS 4 billion to accelerate completion.
He emphasized that this aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to ensure more Tanzanians have access to reliable electricity.
He further noted that electricity demand in the country is growing annually by 10 to 15 percent, underscoring the need for durable and sustainable infrastructure like concrete poles, which are a longer-lasting alternative to wooden poles.
“I urge TCPM to produce high-quality poles that can serve as a benchmark for other private manufacturers,” he added.
According to Dr. Biteko, the factory is expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities along the entire value chain.
“For example, in the 2023/2024 financial year, 19,368 poles were distributed. As of April in the current financial year, that number has reached 34,181 a 76 percent increase. This growth reflects the sector’s potential to generate jobs and economic activity,” he explained.
Dr. Biteko also revealed that all villages across Tanzania have now been connected to electricity, and the government has begun electrifying sub-villages, starting with 20,000 priority areas, with Tabora among those prioritized.
He also advocated for the use of clean cooking energy, referencing the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy 2024–2034, which aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanian households use clean energy sources by 2034.
On the upcoming October 2025 General Elections, Dr. Biteko called on Tabora residents to remain united and resist division along political or social lines.
“As we approach the General Election, let’s not allow ourselves to be divided or misled. Short-term gains from division lead to long-term consequences,” he cautioned.
Also speaking at the event, Tabora Special Seats MP, Munde Tambwe, called for the establishment of a tobacco processing factory in the region to add value to local production and generate jobs for young people.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, said the event marked a key milestone in promoting the use of concrete poles, which are both durable and cost-effective compared to timber poles.
“In some areas, wooden poles have failed under wet conditions or fire. Concrete poles, however, are long-lasting and environmentally friendly. Some poles installed in Tanga years ago remain in use today,” said Mramba.
TCPM General Manager, Engineer Yusuph Kitivo, noted that the factory is fully owned by the government through TANESCO.
He confirmed that over 80,000 concrete poles have already been supplied to TANESCO and are in use across the country, including in Katavi and Tabora.
“The construction of this factory began officially on October 30, 2024, as part of the government’s commitment to providing sustainable and reliable electricity infrastructure,” Engineer Kitivo stated.
He disclosed that the project cost stands at TZS 6 billion and that construction is being completed to high standards.
“The success of this project will pave the way for another factory in Mbeya. This will significantly contribute to national revenue, job creation, and the expansion of businesses related to concrete pole production,” he added.