Prime
Leadership change at Tanesco as focus turns to power stability
New Tanesco managing director Lazaro Twange. Photo | Courtesy
What you need to know:
- He steps into this role at a time when concerns about electricity reliability are on the rise among both the public and policymakers.
Dar es Salaam. Lazaro Twange, who has been District Commissioner (DC) for Ubungo for less than four months, has been appointed as the managing director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco).
He steps into this role at a time when concerns about electricity reliability are on the rise among both the public and policymakers.
Mr Twange takes over from the late Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, who tragically passed away in a road accident on April 13, 2025, in Bunda, Mara Region. While his rapid appointment may catch some off guard given his background in regional administration, those familiar with his career highlight his substantial leadership experience.
Mr Twange previously served as Deputy Director General for Operations at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) before being relieved of his duties in 2017. In 2020, he was appointed DC for Babati District by the late President John Magufuli and later worked in Hai and Ubungo districts.
Despite his brief 102 days in Ubungo, Mr Twange’s tenure has made a noticeable impact on local government officials. Makurumla ward councillor Bakari Kimwanga praised him as “the best DC I’ve ever worked with,” emphasising his punctuality, hands-on leadership, and high standards for accountability.
“He was always early to official engagements and preferred working on the ground rather than from behind a desk. While we’re saddened by his departure, we hope others will learn from his strong work ethic,” Mr Kimwanga remarked.
Mr Hassan Mwasha, councillor of Msigani ward, added to the praise, calling Mr Twange a unifier who favoured dialogue over punishment when dealing with staff. “He disliked hearsay or gossip among leaders, treating everyone fairly and avoiding public embarrassment for his subordinates. That earned him widespread respect,” Mr Mwasha noted.
Mr Twange is assuming his new role at a time when power supply issues are increasingly being criticized in both Parliament and the public arena. In late April, during the debate on the Ministry of Energy’s budget for 2025/26, parliamentarians voiced concerns about ongoing power outages, delays in electricity connections, and the urgency for greater transparency in scheduled blackouts.
Kiteto MP Edward Ole Lekaita (CCM) shared that prolonged outages in his constituency have damaged electrical appliances, while Nkenge MP Florent Kyombo (CCM) highlighted how persistent rains in Misenyi District contribute to recurring power failures.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Dr Doto Biteko acknowledged these issues and assured that the government would consider the MPs’ recommendations for improvement.
For residents like Sheila Juma from Kijichi, clear communication is crucial. “We understand that outages can occur, but we need to be informed about when and why. With proper schedules in place, there would be fewer complaints,” she explained.
Aziza Ibrahim from Temeke also called for better customer service and quicker responses to faults. “If the customer service desk improves, the entire company stands to benefit. Currently, many complaints go unresolved for too long,” she stated.
Dr Donald Mmari, Executive Director of REPOA, noted that Mr Twange’s biggest challenge will be to ensure a reliable and affordable electricity supply, especially as demand continues to grow across various sectors like industry, agriculture, and transportation.
“Electric trains, manufacturing plants, and processors of perishable goods all rely on dependable power. The entire economy hinges on reliable electricity, and that’s the task awaiting him,” Dr. Mmari said.
As Mr Twange begins his leadership at Tanesco, the nation looks to stabilise its energy sector while supporting economic growth.
