Ethiopia’s emergence as a regional energy hub is intensifying calls for stronger intra-African trade to drive industrialisation across the continent. Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Minerals, Stephen Kiruswa, says the country’s growing electricity production and cross-border power sharing demonstrate how regional cooperation can translate into tangible economic gains. He made the remarks while speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia is already a key player in East Africa’s energy integration agenda, exporting electricity to countries including Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya, while advancing new transmission links with Somalia and Tanzania. As one of the region’s leading renewable energy producers, Ethiopia’s expanding grid is closely aligned with the vision of the African Union Agenda 2063, which promotes a continent-wide clean energy network built on shared infrastructure and deeper regional integration.
Tanzania is also scaling up its own energy ambitions through major infrastructure such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which is expected to supply electricity to neighbouring countries including Zambia and Malawi. According to Kiruswa, emerging power-sharing arrangements between countries such as Ethiopia and Tanzania illustrate how interconnected energy systems can support industrial growth, including future regional value chains like electric vehicle battery production and manufacturing collaboration.
He further stressed that Africa’s energy progress must be matched with stronger trade frameworks under the African Continental Free Trade Area to fully unlock industrial potential. Strengthening regional blocs such as the East African Community, Southern African Development Community, and Economic Community of West African States, he noted, will be essential to harmonise regulations, lower production costs, and build resilient cross-border supply chains capable of supporting long-term economic transformation.