Tanzania's President Directs Immediate Preparations for Uranium Production

Strategic Insights -

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered authorities to begin preparations for uranium production, with the aim of using the mineral to generate electricity for domestic use. The move comes as the country seeks to end its reliance on imported electricity and position itself as a power exporter. With uranium reserves estimated at 58,500 tonnes, Tanzania can no longer afford to sit on its deposits, President Samia declared.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed authorities to begin immediate preparations for uranium production, prioritizing domestic use over exports.
  • Tanzania's uranium reserves are estimated at 58,500 tonnes, and the President aims to use the mineral to generate electricity for the country's growing energy needs.
  • The President has tasked the newly appointed Director General of TANESCO, Lazaro Twange, with overseeing the development of the Tunduru uranium project as a key priority.
  • Tanzania has already invested in expanding electricity generation through hydropower and gas, but a shift toward other energy sources, including renewables and nuclear, is necessary to stabilize the national grid and meet growing industrial demand.
  • The President has instructed Twange to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Energy to move forward with the uranium project and to focus on transmission issues, including the construction of substations and a clean-up of the billing system.
  • Tanzania aims to become self-sufficient in electricity and sell surplus power to neighboring countries, including Zambia.

Statistics:

  • Tanzania's uranium reserves: 58,500 tonnes
  • Tanzania's current electricity import from Ethiopia: [no specific data provided]
  • Tanzania's ambition: to become self-sufficient in electricity and sell surplus power to neighboring countries
  • Number of newly appointed leaders sworn in by President Samia: [not specified]
  • Tanzania's Vision 2050 implementation: coordinated by the Planning Commission, on which Dr Fred Msemwa and Dr Blandina Kilama, have been appointed as Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary, respectively.

Sources:

  • "Tanzania's President Directs Immediate Preparations for Uranium Production", Daily News, [no publication date]