The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Tanzania Development Bank (TIB) have announced a significant grant of $899,000 aimed at bolstering entrepreneurial initiatives within Tanzania's bioenergy sub-sector.
In a well-attended event held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's business hub, organizers unveiled the grant with a dummy cheque presentation. The event also marked the launch of a stakeholder capacity-building workshop centered on 'Bioenergy and Bioethanol.'
Approximately 70 participants, including government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and potential beneficiaries, attended the workshop, signaling the commencement of a comprehensive program aimed at nurturing a sustainable bioenergy market in Tanzania.
A statement from UNIDO's Representative office in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday emphasized the initiative's alignment with Tanzania's Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and its support from a consortium of partners, including the Ministry of Energy, the Vice President's Office-Division of Environment, the EU GEF UNCDF, and others.
The grants provided by UNIDO will facilitate the development of bioenergy projects, particularly those focused on converting agro-waste to energy and promoting bioethanol as an alternative cooking fuel. TIB Development Bank, in collaboration with the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and UNIDO, has reviewed numerous applications for the Bioenergy Incentive Fund (BIF), resulting in the selection of various enterprises for the grant.
Recipients, including Bagamoyo Sugar Limited Consumer's Choice Limited, Multiplex System, TPC, Zanzibar Sugar Limited, Bagamoyo Sugar Limited, Manyara Sugar Limited, IV Biotech Limited, Sundy Merchants, and Hanny G. Investment, are set to receive their awards during the upcoming workshop.
The event shed light on the opportunities presented by the BIF and outlined the project's roll-out of bioethanol cookstoves and fuel. Discussions covered various aspects, including the application process, eligibility, and evaluation criteria for prospective projects.
This grant and workshop initiative aim to empower Tanzanian entrepreneurs, raise awareness of the BIF, and strengthen the bioenergy industry, ensuring a sustainable and economically beneficial energy future for the nation.
Speaking at the dummy check presentation to the seven eligible local companies, TIB's director of Planning and Development, Mr. Joseph Chilambo, emphasized the project's aim to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
UNIDO's coordinator of clean energy and environment highlighted the collaboration between UN's agencies, TIB, the European Union, and the government through the Ministry of Energy, aimed at supporting initiatives that protect the environment.
The grant signifies a significant step towards fostering sustainable energy solutions and economic growth in Tanzania's bioenergy sector.