On December 6, 2024, Dr. Selemani Jafo, Tanzania's Minister for Industry and Trade, underscored the critical role of technological development in enhancing energy efficiency during the closing remarks of the Regional Energy Efficiency Conference (REEC) 2024 held in Arusha. He emphasized that industrial growth is heavily dependent on a reliable energy supply, which is essential for sustainable development across the East African Community (EAC) [4699b1d6].
Dr. Jafo announced that Tanzania is actively working on creating energy-efficient standards through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards, aiming to improve energy management across various sectors. This initiative aligns with the recently launched Energy Efficiency Strategy on December 4, 2024, which seeks to promote sustainable energy practices within the region [4699b1d6].
The REEC 2024 conference, which began on December 4, brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and energy experts, to discuss sustainable energy use and the importance of joint research initiatives. Key resolutions from the conference included enhancing private sector engagement in energy initiatives and fostering collaborative research efforts to address energy challenges in the region [4699b1d6].
This focus on technological advancement and energy efficiency is part of a broader strategy to boost the EAC economy, as highlighted by other regional leaders advocating for the integration of technology in various sectors. The discussions at REEC 2024 reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustainable energy solutions to drive industrial growth and economic development across East Africa [4699b1d6].