Energy is a critical enabler in reaching development goals. However, the benefits of increased access to modern and cleaner energy services often fail to accrue evenly to men and women. The African Development Bank and ENERGIA recognise the need to prioritise policy action in the field of gender and energy to meet the inter- national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This country brief on gender and energy in Tanzania is one in a series to support equality of access and use of energy by women and men through evidence-based initiatives. The Government of Tanzania prioritises access to energy as an essential component of its Development Vision 2025 and the realisation of the medium-term development objectives (2016/17 – 2020/21).

Consideration of gender in the development agenda is central to unleashing potentials for women and men to participate, benefit and contribute to the envisaged socio-economic transformations of the country.

This brief provides insights into the current status of gender and energy in Tanzania and a policy analysis. It presents key data, an overview of the institutional set-up and targets on gender and energy, and an analysis of barriers and opportunities based on an expert review of policy documents and consultations with key stakeholders. This leads to a set of recommendations for future gender-sensitive interventions.