In a highly symbolic moment, Rabat hosted Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Doto Mashaka Biteko, on May 14, 2025, leading a high-level delegation as part of a growing bilateral cooperation. The visit reflects Morocco’s larger strategy to deepen South-South energy partnerships across the continent.
Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s energy transition through knowledge exchange and expertise in renewables and energy efficiency.
But the key question arises:
Does Tanzania have the institutional and technical capacity to turn this cooperation into tangible projects? Or is there a gap between ambition and reality?
Dar es Salaam Agreement Still in Limbo?
The Tanzanian official referred to King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to Dar es Salaam in 2016 as a pivotal moment. Yet, calls to “activate signed agreements” point to unresolved issues:
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Which agreements remain unimplemented?
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What obstacles are hindering progress?
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Is there a lack of follow-through or misalignment in priorities?
The Private Sector Push: Will Innovative Partnerships Change the Game?
Tanzania’s interest in public-private partnerships suggests a shift towards pragmatic development models. Morocco, with its tested governance in energy planning, rural electrification, and battery storage systems, could offer a roadmap — but only if it’s willing to share tech and know-how under fair conditions.
Geopolitical Context: Africa Between Global Competition and Regional Alternatives
As global powers vie for influence in Africa’s energy future, Morocco positions itself not as an outsider, but as a continental actor, offering a cooperative model outside extractive dynamics. But will this model strike the balance between political ambition, economic equity, and energy sovereignty?
Conclusion: A Strategic Energy Alliance or Just Diplomatic Posturing?
The Morocco-Tanzania energy dialogue holds promise to be a prototype for African-led cooperation. But unless agreements are activated, projects funded, and timelines respected, the risk remains that such summits stay at the level of good intentions — not lasting transformation.
