A high-level award event was held at DIT to celebrate the scholarship recipients and the inaguration of the new laboratory. The event was attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Education, UNDP, EU, DIT, TIRDO, and other stakeholders in the energy sector.

The Ministry of Energy (MoE), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has awarded scholarships to ten young women to pursue Master of Engineering degrees in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT). The scholarships, part of the EU-funded Energy Efficiency Action Plan, aim to develop professional qualifications and skills in Energy Management and Energy Audit, with a particular focus on women.

A total of 167 applications from young women across Tanzania were received, and the successful applicants were selected based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to energy efficiency.

The scholarship recipients will commence their studies at DIT in October 2023 and are expected to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in sustainable energy engineering.

During the awarding ceremony, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Sergio Valdini highlighted the collaboration with DIT and emphasized the significance of integrating gender equality and sustainable energy, saying that "empowering women not only accelerates the transition to clean energy but also tackles the energy crisis."

Ms. Bahati C. Mtono, Director of Human Resources, Administration, and Management, representing the Permanent Secretary from the MoE, urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the facilities and knowledge. She also emphasized the importance of the scholarship recipients' dedication to their studies.

As stated by Prof. Preksedis M. Ndomba, the Principal of DIT, the institution has a rich history in assisting Tanzania in achieving technical self-sufficiency. DIT's educational, research, and advisory initiatives are positioned for sustained success, bolstered by the backing of the EU and UNDP through the Ministry of Energy. The provision of scholarships and the certification of energy efficiency experts exemplify DIT's dedication to making a meaningful contribution to Tanzania's progress.

Energy Managers and Energy Auditors Receive Certificates

For the first time in Tanzania's history, certificates were issued to 8 Certified Energy Managers and Auditors during the event.  These certified professionals have undergone rigorous training and now specialize in energy auditing, assessment techniques, conservation measures, energy management principles, accounting, and financial analysis, as explained by Mr. Lamine Diallo, Head of Natural Resources at the EU Head of Delegation to Tanzania, who also expressed the EU's commitment to supporting Tanzania's transition to clean and sustainable energy.

The Energy Efficiency Action Plan also facilitated the procurement of Energy Efficiency equipment and established a new and modern laboratory at DIT. The laboratory will serve as a practical teaching, consulting, and research facility for Energy Management, Energy Audit, and Building Certification. 
Tanzania's efforts in promoting energy efficiency and empowering young women through scholarship awards and certified energy efficiency managers demonstrate the country's commitment to a sustainable energy future. The DIT Energy Efficiency laboratory will be pivotal in promoting sustainable development practices, particularly in the energy sector. These initiatives will help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, create employment opportunities, advance gender equality, and enhance public and energy stakeholders' understanding of the importance of embracing energy-efficient practices