On 23 May 2025, the EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, delivered a speech in Dar es Salaam during the Europe Day 2025 celebrations, reaffirming the European Union’s support for clean energy projects, regional electricity integration, and Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
The Ambassador emphasised the EU’s ongoing support for Tanzania’s energy transition and infrastructure development.
She noted that the EU is financing a TZS 92 billion Clean Cooking Programme to support local businesses providing modern alternatives to charcoal.
She also confirmed a TZS 110.6 billion grant for the Kakono Hydropower Project in Kagera, which will supply renewable electricity to the national grid and reduce carbon emissions by over 200,000 tonnes per year.
The EU is further supporting the Tanzania–Zambia Interconnector (TAZA) with a TZS 92 billion grant, enabling electricity trade between the Southern African Power Pool and the Eastern African Power Pool.
Grau highlighted the EU’s support to the Rural Energy Agency (REA) over the past seven years, which has helped connect about one-third of villages in mainland Tanzania and provided electricity access to over 1 million people.
She stated that these investments are aligned with Tanzania’s Vision 2050, with a focus on value addition in key sectors, sustainable agriculture, digitalisation, and transport infrastructure.
The Ambassador also mentioned the EU’s involvement in clean energy and the blue economy under Tanzania’s updated foreign policy.
In addition, she referenced support for gender inclusion in the energy sector, including EU-funded scholarships for Tanzanian women in sustainable energy engineering, implemented in partnership with UNDP, the Embassy of Ireland, and the Ministry of Energy.
According to Grau, “Tanzania is a key partner for the European Union,” and the EU remains committed to direct, open, and reliable cooperation.
The European Union is Tanzania’s largest development partner, providing financial and technical support across sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance.
Its cooperation is guided by the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and focuses on green transition, digital transformation, sustainable growth, and human development.
