ARGeo-C10 renews interest and investment for geothermal in Tanzania

The 10th African Rift Geothermal Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (source: ARGeo-C10)

The recently held 10th African Rift Geothermal Conference (“ARGeo-C10”) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania was successful in its objective of bringing together stakeholders for the geothermal industry in Africa. Representatives from 14 member countries of the African Geothermal Federation were in attendance, as well as participants from 12 other countries  including New Zealand, Iceland, and Germany.

“The knowledge and expertise gained in this conference will help the future of Tanzania and Africa in achieving a solution to the availability of clean energy, speeding up the development of geothermal energy in Tanzania and increasing the contribution of renewable energy in electricity production,” said Hon. Shaibu Kaduara, Minister of Water, Energy and Minerals of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, during the opening ceremony.

Kaduara noted that hosting this year’s ARGeo made it clear that Tanzania is serious with its intention to develop geothermal energy. Tanzania also took advantage of the conference to call for support from partners in the country’s areas of development, including the Ngozi area in the Mbeya region where three geothermal exploration wells have already been drilled.

Honorable Dr. Joseph Mhagama, the representative of the Speaker of the United Republic of Tanzania, said that the event provided an opportunity for the Members of the Parliament to learn about the various issues for geothermal in Tanzania. These include the opportunities for geothermal direct use, as well as challenges for development. These will help the Parliament in giving advice to the Government and managing the geothermal industry in Tanzania.

Mathew Mwangomba of the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) also thanks the Government and the stakeholders for the success of the event. He also added that Tanzania is eager to collaborate with other stakeholders, whether local or international, to improve the geothermal industry in the country in terms of expertise and investment.

Dr. Peter Omenda, President of the African Geothermal Association (AGA), also gave credit to Tanzania for making a commitment to host the ARGeo and that the success of the conference is worth emulating by other African countries.

The next ARGeo will be held in Comoros on 2026.

Source: Government of Tanzania