12 January 2021: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA) and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE). The MoU sets out the shared goals of the two organisations to support decentralised renewable energy (DRE) businesses from and active in Tanzania.
The associations will work together on a number of activities, including joint advocacy to create a conducive market environment for DRE actors accompanying and contributing to the government’s efforts to achieve renewable energy targets as well as targeted business development and market intelligence support for DRE companies.
In this regard, the associations aim to develop the capacity of renewable energy stakeholders in Tanzania to create local jobs and enhance the capacity of the sector to raise increased financing for renewable energy projects and businesses. This will be achieved by spearheading in-person or virtual “DRE Investment Academies” or similar trainings for Tanzanian and international DRE developers and other stakeholders, with the aim to provide additional fundraising and technical support.
Finally, the MoU states that the partners will deliver joint offers and support services for Tanzanian renewable energy actors, who work to address energy access, energy security and climate change challenges in Tanzania and conduct applied research creating the market for renewable energy technologies.
TAREA Executive Secretary, Dr.-Ing. Matthew Matimbwi, said: “The MoU is a unique opportunity to work alongside ARE and spearhead the development of the DRE market in Tanzania. We look forward to taking on board ARE’s far-reaching experience as an established business association in the DRE sector and ensuring that Tanzanian DRE projects can bear fruit.”
ARE CEO, David Lecoque, commented: “This MoU is in line with ARE’s goal to increase country-level actions and support by working in tandem with National Renewable Energy Associations such as TAREA and will provide a framework for future collaboration on DRE promotion in developing and emerging markets. In this regard, it is a great pleasure for us to have signed this MoU with TAREA as we strongly believe that we share common values to take concrete steps forward to expand clean and affordable energy access in Tanzania.”
ARE Africa Lead, Gabriele Pammesberger, added: “The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between TAREA and ARE, with the common objective of increasing access to renewable energy, energy security and climate change simultaneously and effectively across the country.”
