Dar es Salaam, March 26, 2024 — The 3rd Steering Committee meeting for the Implementation of Tanzania’s 1st Energy Efficiency Action Plan convened in Dar es Salaam, bringing together key stakeholders from governmental bodies, utilities, and educational institutions. The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress made in 2023 and deliberate on plans for 2024, underscoring the imperative transition to sustainable energy sources in combating climate change.

Eng. Styden Rwebangila, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, highlighted the critical role of energy efficiency in addressing energy supply constraints and safeguarding the environment. He expressed gratitude to the European Union and UNDP for their support. The Permanent Secretary was pleased to receive additional funding from the Irish Embassy last year, which was a significant milestone for the project. He urged active participation from committee members to ensure smooth implementation of the project's work plan for 2024.

Mr. Shigeki, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasised UNDP’s commitment to sustainable and efficient energy utilisation, and how the organisation is an integrator of sustainable development efforts across various sectors. He commended the Ministry of Energy's leadership and the collaborative efforts of technical committee members towards the project’s implementation.

Mr. Massimiliano Pedretti, EU Delegation Programme Manager, hailed the project's achievements, including the establishment of energy efficiency laboratories and scholarship programmes for young women. He stressed the importance of government-led initiatives in promoting clean cooking and integrating energy efficiency standards.

The meeting endorsed the annual work plan for 2024, signalling collective support for advancing sustainable energy practices and ensuring the project's success.

The Steering Committee plays a critical role in providing strategic direction for the energy efficiency project, addressing challenges, and ensuring that the project remains on course to achieve its objectives. The Ministry of Energy is the Chair of the committee, and UNDP is the co-Chair, with other members from the European Union (EU), Energy and WaterUtilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO), Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), President's Office - Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and Rural Energy Agency (REA).