Ministry of Energy has underscored the importance of regional integration in the energy sector in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 which advocates for sustainable energy for all.
Minister responsible-Ibrahim Matola made the sentiments when addressing delegates at the ongoing 4th Tanzania Energy Congress in Dar-Es-Salam, Tanzania.
The Energy Congress brings together delegates from African countries who will be discussing the unified vision and pathways for Africa’s energy transition, the need for continued access to investment and funding allocation for oil, gas, liquefied natural gas as well as renewable energy to ensure access to energy for all.
The Minister who was a co-Panelist on the “Improving Africa’s Economy Through Energy Sector Market Development Expansion” session, stated that in order to achieve SDG goal number 7, it is crucial to create conducive environments that will encourage private sector participation and collaboration among African countries.
“We need to review archaic laws and policies in order to improve Africa’s economy through energy sector market development expansion. Currently we have regional projects that Malawi has and plans to develop with its neighbors. The Mozambique-Malawi interconnector project which has already commenced is one example, ’said Matola.
The energy minister further revealed plans to interconnect with Zambia and Tanzania as well as the Songwe Hydropower project which will be jointly developed by Malawi and Tanzania governments.
The Energy Congress is expected to run from 3rd to 4th August 2022 and the Minister has been accompanied by officials from ESCOM, EGENCO and PML.