In 2023, Tanzania’s electricity consumption totaled about 11 TWh, or just 167 kWh per person—roughly 4% of the global average of 3,794 kWh per person. Fossil fuels supplied almost three-quarters of its electricity, about 8.2 TWh, almost entirely from gas. Low-carbon sources supplied the remaining quarter, about 2.8 TWh, with hydropower accounting for nearly all of that clean electricity. Such low electricity availability can constrain healthcare, education, industrial development and access to reliable digital services. Expanding clean electricity would support these needs while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and their climate and air-pollution impacts.

Is Electricity Growing in Tanzania?

Electricity consumption per person is growing: Tanzania’s 2023 level of 167 kWh surpassed the previous record of 151 kWh in 2022 by 16 kWh, an increase of about 11%. This is encouraging, although consumption remains far below the global average. Low-carbon electricity generation per person tells a less positive story: at 42 kWh in 2023, it was 33 kWh below its historical peak of 75 kWh in 2002—about 44% lower. Overall electricity growth therefore needs to be accompanied by a much stronger expansion of clean generation to support rising demand from electrification, industry and digital infrastructure.

Suggestions

Tanzania should prioritize expanding solar electricity, develop wind generation where suitable, and consider nuclear electricity as part of its long-term clean electricity strategy. South Africa provides a relevant regional example, generating about 20 TWh from solar, 12 TWh from wind and 12 TWh from nuclear in the supplied comparison. India also offers useful examples for a growing economy, with roughly 192 TWh of solar, 124 TWh of wind and 53 TWh of nuclear electricity. Tanzania could learn from these places’ experience with large-scale projects, workforce development and electricity infrastructure, while adapting implementation to local conditions. Grid expansion, solar mini-grids and investment in reliable clean generation could help extend electricity access and support economic growth.

History

Tanzania’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by changes in hydropower. Small gains in 1989 and 1991 were followed by mixed results during the 1990s, including a strong 0.6 TWh increase in 1998. An additional 0.5 TWh gain in 2001 was followed by consecutive declines from 2003 through 2006, totaling 1.2 TWh, before a substantial 1.1 TWh rebound in 2007. The 2010s also saw uneven progress: declines totaling 0.9 TWh in 2011–2012 preceded a 0.9 TWh recovery in 2014, with further losses and gains afterward. Generation rose by 0.7 TWh in 2020 but fell by 0.3 TWh in 2022. This uneven trajectory highlights the importance of sustained investment and a broader low-carbon electricity mix, especially through solar and nuclear development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade