Makamba concludes visit to China

Tanzania’s Energy Minister January Makamba, has completed an official visit to China in response to an invitation from his Chinese counterpart Dr. Jianhua Zhang of the National Energy Administration.

The visit, which among other issues aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, witnessed fruitful discussions between Minister Makamba and his Chinese host on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector.

During his stay in China, Mr Makamba visited the Dongfan Global factory a company that is set to manufacture power generation equipment for the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Dam.

This excursion allowed Minister Makamba to witness first-hand the advanced technologies employed in the production of the vital components.

He was also hosted in a highly informative interview with CGTN, a leading television station in Beijing with the interview shedding light on the collaborative efforts between Tanzania and China in implementing renewable energy projects under the Belt and Road Energy Partnership.

Notably, Minister Makamba highlighted China's commitment to providing training opportunities for Tanzanian experts, equipping them with the necessary skills in renewable energy technology innovation and production.

 “This joint endeavor is expected to bolster Tanzania's capacity in the renewable energy sector significantly,” he said.

Additionally, China expressed its willingness to cooperate with Tanzania in exploring and developing natural gas energy projects, further enhancing the countries' energy collaboration.

One of the pivotal moments during the discussions was China's expression of interest, through the China Africa Development Fund (CADFUND), in investing in Tanzania's energy sector in partnership with both Chinese and Tanzanian companies.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Minister Makamba and Mr. Song Lei, Chairman of CADFUND, in Beijing. CADFUND, established by the Chinese government with a staggering capital of USD 15 billion, is dedicated to investing in projects across Africa.

The communique further said that Mr Makamba’s visit to China and the subsequent discussions exemplify the growing bilateral relationship between Tanzania and China, particularly in the field of energy.

“The collaboration forged during this visit sets the stage for increased investments, knowledge sharing, and technological advancements in renewable energy and natural gas projects,” it reads.

As Tanzania strives to meet its energy demands and enhance its energy infrastructure, the partnership with China is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving national objectives.

The visit, has been widely regarded as a positive step towards strengthening the energy cooperation between the two nations, showcases Tanzania's commitment to harnessing its energy potential while leveraging China's expertise and resources.

The outcomes of this visit are likely to have a lasting impact on Tanzania's energy landscape, contributing to its sustainable development goals and further solidifying the bonds of friendship between the two countries