This paper reviews the role of renewable energy in Tanzania’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the country’s renewable energy landscape, focusing on current capacity, ongoing projects, policy frameworks, and key government and private sector initiatives. The study highlights Tanzania’s progress, including an electrification increase from 7% in 2000 to over 79.5% by 2024, driven by large-scale hydropower investments and rural electrification programs. Additionally, the review employs a narrative literature analysis of recent studies and official reports, revealing that Tanzania’s renewable energy capacity has nearly doubled over the last decade. Notably, hydropower capacity expanded from approximately 589 MW in 2015 to 2,803 MW by April 2025, largely driven by the commissioning of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which alone contributes 2,115 MW. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain, such as high upfront capital costs, limited financing access, weak grid infrastructure, policy enforcement gaps, and socio-economic disparities in rural areas. Using a multi-dimensional framework, the paper proposes strategic interventions across five domains: financial innovation, technical infrastructure, regulatory reform, socio-cultural engagement, and environmental resilience. The paper concludes that a coordinated approach among government agencies, development partners, and local stakeholders is essential for Tanzania to transition to a clean energy future and fulfill its SDG 7 commitments. Key insights include specific advances in renewable energy projects and targeted policy measures, which are outlined to inform decision-makers. This review offers practical insights for policymakers, investors, and researchers addressing energy poverty and sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Adriano Pamain (Mon,) studied this question.