Sustainable Energy for All "Towards Universal Energy Access: Tanzania" consultation meeting ends in Dar es salaam..

The Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) “Towards Universal Energy Access” Tanzania 2 day Consultation meeting ended up in Dar es Salaam yesterday with various topics and resolutions reached on setting up country’s action plan towards universal energy access.

Among the key subjects deliberated in the meeting included how SE4ALL fits into the current Tanzanian policy framework, Innovations in consumer financing, human resource and training for energy service providers, the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in improving transparency and accountability towards accelerated access to modern energy services, Clean energy microgrids, Energy for women’s and children’s health and Universal adoption of clean cooking solutions.

Speaking in the meeting, the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA) Executive Secretary Eng. Mathew Matimbwi and other stakeholders echoed the lack of guidelines, policy and targets as some of the major challenges which prevent the growth of the renewable energy sector in the country.

Director for Salama Foundation, one of the firms dealing in renewable energy, Mr Shadrack Msuya, said the government is only concentrating in hydro-power and other energy while forgetting renewable energy which can provide alternative energy.

Earlier opening the meeting, Energy and Minerals Minister George Simbachawene said the Sustainable Energy for All is a multi-stakeholder partnership between governments, the private sector and civil society.

He said SE4ALL is a UN Secretary General initiative launched in 2011 that seeks to ensure Universal energy access for all, double the rate of renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2030.

Mr Simbachawene added that it is undeniable fact that energy is key in accelerating socio-economic evolution.

“Energy is also a golden threat that connects economic growth, increased social equality and an environment that allows the word to thrive,” he said.

He said the outcomes of the stakeholders consultation is provision of practical suggestions towards the sustainable energy for all action agenda and investment prospectus.

However, he called upon participants to use the meeting to share views and experience and bring up ideas on how to work together to ensure Tanzania achieve its goals through the sustainable energy for all initiative.

Meanwhile WWF Energy Coordinator, Dr Teresia Olemako said the aim of the meeting was to put together stakeholders to deliberate on issues that can steer the country towards universal energy access for all citizens.

The meeting was organized by WWF with the support of United Nations Foundation and attracted participants and stakeholders from around the globe.

A cross section of participants of the meeting....!

WWF Conservation Manager, Tanzania Country Office Dr Amani Ngusaru speaking to participants while Minister for Energy and Minerals Hon. George Simbachawene looks on before he officially opened the meeting...!!