Tanzania Takes Bold Step Toward Efficient Energy Use And Product Quality Control, Unveils Five Laboratories

The Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has launched five national laboratories designed to test the quality and efficiency of energy use, as well as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and an energy labeling system.

In addition, a device for measuring the amount of carbon emissions produced by cooking stoves was also launched.

Speaking at the launch on 16 October 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Dr. James Mataragio, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, said the establishment of the laboratories comes at an opportune time, as the government continues to implement various national energy policies and strategies.

The laboratories and the carbon-measuring device are located at the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).

Dr. Mataragio stated that the projects will bring significant change to the country by promoting efficient energy use, increasing the adoption of clean cooking solutions, supporting environmental conservation efforts, and reducing electricity costs for citizens.

“It is time to be proud as a nation when we take concrete steps to ensure that every appliance used at home, in offices, and in industries contributes to efficient energy use. This reflects the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring access to modern, affordable, and safe energy services for all, while promoting efficiency to support economic and social development,” said Dr. Mataragio.

He added that the newly launched laboratories and standards will ensure that only products meeting quality and efficiency requirements enter the market, thereby reducing electricity consumption, lowering user costs, and cutting carbon emissions.

The implementation of this initiative targets products that account for over 45% of national electricity consumption. Establishing energy efficiency standards is expected to save more than 370 GWh of electricity annually by 2030, equivalent to supplying electricity to over 500,000 households each year and reducing more than 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.

The refrigerator and air conditioner standards have been approved at the East African Community (EAC) level, benefiting Tanzanian consumers and manufacturers through access to a regional market characterized by quality, safety, and sustainability.

For her part, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), said that following the launch, the next step is to provide education and guidance to relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers of the targeted products, to enable them to start utilizing the laboratories.

She added that public awareness campaigns will also be conducted to encourage citizens to purchase and use products bearing the newly introduced energy efficiency labels.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mark Stalmans, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Tanzania, said the implementation of these projects demonstrates the strong partnership between the Government of Tanzania and the European Union in advancing development initiatives across the country.

He emphasized that the launch should lead to tangible results in market regulation, monitoring, evaluation, and the implementation of labeling systems to protect consumers and ensure product quality.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com