The Ministry of Energy (MoE), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has awarded scholarships to ten young women to pursue Master of Engineering degrees in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT)

The scholarships, part of the EU-funded Energy Efficiency Action Plan, aim to develop professional qualifications and skills in Energy Management and Energy Audit, with a particular focus on women.

A total of 167 applications from young women across Tanzania were received, and the successful applicants were selected based on academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to energy efficiency.

The scholarship recipients will commence their studies at DIT in January 2024 and are expected to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in sustainable energy engineering.

During the awarding ceremony, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Sergio Valdini highlighted the collaboration with DIT and emphasized the significance of integrating gender equality and sustainable energy, saying that "empowering women not only accelerates the transition to clean energy but also tackles energy poverty."

Bahati C. Mtono, Director of Human Resources, Administration, and Management, representing the Permanent Secretary from the MoE, urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the facilities and knowledge. She also emphasized the importance of the scholarship recipients' dedication to their studies.

Energy managers and Auditors receive certificates

For the first time in Tanzania's history, certificates were issued to 8 Certified Energy Managers and Auditors during the event.

These certified professionals have undergone rigorous training and now specialize in energy auditing, assessment techniques, conservation measures, energy management principles, accounting, and financial analysis, as explained by Mr. Lamine Diallo, Head of Natural Resources at the EU Head of Delegation to Tanzania, who also expressed the EU's commitment to supporting Tanzania's transition to clean and sustainable energy.

The Energy Efficiency Action Plan also facilitated the procurement of Energy Efficiency equipment and established a new laboratory. The laboratory will serve as a practical teaching, consultancy, and research facility for Energy Management, Energy Audit, and Building Certification.

BACKGROUND

Implementation of the Tanzania Energy Efficiency Action Plan aims to support streamlined Energy Efficiency actions in order to make the energy supply and consumption of Tanzania more financially and environmentally sustainable. The programme provides targeted trainings, long and short-term technical assistance, and technical and general equipment to key Institutions expected to strategise, monitor and regulate Energy Efficiency in Tanzania: Ministry of Energy, Tanzania Bureau of standards (TBS), President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government offices, Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation (TIRDO), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT). The project is also creating new professional qualifications and skills in Energy Management and Audtiing and is expected to generate gender inclusive jobs.