Tanzania Launches Its First Public EV Charging Station in Dodoma
On June 11, 2026, Tanzania’s Energy Minister Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi officiated the opening of the nation’s inaugural electric‑vehicle (EV) charging station in the Jamatini area of Dodoma. The event marks a concrete step toward integrating clean‑energy solutions into the country’s transport network and aligns with Tanzania’s broader strategy to expand electricity use beyond household cooking.
Background and Significance
The Dodoma charging facility is described by officials as a “major milestone” for Tanzania’s transport sector. Minister Ndejembi emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to the global clean‑energy transition while aiming to improve livelihoods, lower living costs, and stimulate economic growth.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Tanzania’s installed power generation capacity has surpassed 4,000 MW, providing a robust foundation for expanding electricity demand into new sectors such as mobility. This growth follows years of investment in hydro, solar, and natural‑gas projects that have increased grid reliability across urban and rural areas.
Technical Specifications
The station is equipped with three 22 kW alternating‑current (AC) chargers, each capable of servicing a variety of electric vehicles, including:
- Passenger cars (e.g., BYD SeaLion 6)
- Three‑wheelers commonly known as Bajajs
- Two‑wheel electric motorcycles (Boda Boda)
Performance figures shared at the launch indicate that a fully charged BYD SeaLion 6 can travel up to 600 kilometres, with the electricity cost estimated at approximately 30,000 TZS (about 80 kWh). An electric Bajaj offers a range of roughly 120 km, while an electric Boda Boda can travel up to 100 km before requiring a recharge.
Government and Partner Support
To accelerate nationwide EV adoption, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Chinese manufacturer AUTEL. Under this collaboration, 50 modern charging units have been procured and are slated for installation at strategic locations throughout the country.
Mr. Lazaro Twange, Managing Director of TANESCO, highlighted that the utility is leveraging Tanzania’s ample power supply to shift public perception of electricity from a lighting‑only commodity to a versatile energy source for cooking, productive uses, and now transportation.
As an introductory incentive, TANESCO announced free charging at the Dodoma station for a period of one month, beginning June 11, 2026. The goal is to encourage local residents and early adopters to experience electric mobility without upfront cost barriers.
Impact on Mobility and the Environment
Officials project that the new charging infrastructure will help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, lower transport operating costs, and cut greenhouse‑gas emissions associated with the road sector. By providing a reliable charging option in Dodoma—a central hub connecting northern, southern, and western corridors—the station is expected to spur broader EV uptake among private owners, fleet operators, and public‑transport providers.
Environmental analysts note that shifting even a modest share of Tanzania’s vehicle fleet to electricity could yield significant air‑quality improvements in urban centres, where vehicular emissions contribute to particulate matter and nitrogen‑oxide levels.
While the Dodoma station is the first of its kind, the phased rollout of the additional 49 AUTEL units aims to create a nationwide charging network that supports long‑distance travel and addresses range anxiety—a key barrier identified in recent surveys of Tanzanian consumers.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Dodoma’s EV charging station represents a tangible advancement in Tanzania’s clean‑energy agenda. Backed by governmental policy, utility investment, and international partnership, the initiative sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects that seek to integrate renewable electricity into transportation, thereby fostering economic development and environmental stewardship.
