Dar es Salaam – The United States, India, and Tanzania have launched a Triangular Development Partnership to strengthen energy infrastructure and promote renewable energy development in Tanzania. This unique clean energy alliance is the first of its kind on the African continent. The trilateral partnership, being implemented by the U.S.-based nonprofit organization, The Asia Foundation, will leverage each country’s combined capacities, resulting in a stronger grid, improved regulatory and policy frameworks, reliable regional interconnections, and the development of utility-scale solar projects in Tanzania.
The U.S. continues to be a strong partner with Tanzania to accelerate electrification in Tanzania, so that communities across the country can access clean and reliable energy. Since 2013, when USAID’s Power Africa program started, Tanzania has made significant progress in the energy sector by increasing connections from just about 1.2 million then to over 4.5 million in 2023.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with India’s Centers of Excellences, including the Grid Controller of India Limited and NTPC School of Business, to engage Tanzania’s policymakers, regulators, utilities, academia, and the private sector, in order to expand the use of renewable energy in the country and promote climate-smart energy investments.
USAID in Tanzania’s Acting Mission Director Alexander Klaits said, “We are now embarking on an important new partnership, together with the government of India, which broadens energy collaboration with Tanzania. This collaboration will strengthen local capacity and expand bilateral trade opportunities for American firms to conduct business in Tanzania. We are honored to partner with the government of India to support Tanzania’s continued emergence as a net regional energy exporter in East Africa.”
Indian High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Manoj Verma said “It is a matter of pride that the first India-US Triangular Cooperation on the African continent is taking place in Tanzania. This collaboration exemplifies the strong strategic partnership between Tanzania and India. Focusing on renewable energy development and grid management, this partnership will boost Tanzania's efforts as it nears the completion of flagship energy projects and connects its grid with countries in the region. We are confident that this Triangular Development Partnership will play a pivotal role in leveraging India's extensive experience in the Renewable Energy Area, improving the lives of Tanzanians in a sustainable way.”
Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. James Peter Mataragio, Ministry of Energy, Government of Tanzania said, “I am really excited to be part of this exciting collaboration. Tanzania will greatly benefit from the U.S. and India's experience and learning on developing its solar and wind energy. Together we can accelerate the development of renewables and a stronger grid in Tanzania”.
For more information about this press release, please contact the USAID/Tanzania Development Outreach and Communications Team at Dardocs@usaid.gov.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Seni