The government of Zanzibar has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth $340 million (Ksh48.36 billion) with Aseel Oilfield Services Limited to develop a wind power project on the Isles. The MoU aims to establish a power plant capable of generating between 20 to 200 megawatts of electricity.
Additionally, a second MoU seeks to enhance Zanzibar’s capacity for mineral discovery through the use of advanced tools and methods.
The move comes as Zanzibar is committed to addressing power shortages and mitigating the impacts of climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources. The wind farm project will play a significant role in achieving this goal.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Saeed Al Jabry, the managing director of Aseel Oilfield Services, and Mr. Joseph Kilangi, principal secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals. Senior government officials and stakeholders were also present, including Minister Hassan Shaibu Kaduara’s deputy, Shaaban Ali Othman.
Read Also: Africa’s game-plan to combat climate change ahead of Cop27
Zanzibar’s Minister of Water, Energy, and Minerals, Shaib Kaduara, expressed optimism about the wind farm project, emphasizing its potential to harness the abundant wind resources in the area and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, promoting a greener and more sustainable energy future.
He commended President Mwinyi’s visionary approach and efforts to attract investors from various sectors, contributing to economic growth and development.
In addition to the wind power project, the ministry’s plans include prospecting for minerals, which Mr. Kaduara believes will be a crucial sector in boosting the Isles’ economy.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more content.
Mr. Al Jabry, the managing director of Aseel Oilfield Services Limited, highlighted the use of cutting-edge tools and technology in the projects. He believes that these advanced tools will significantly improve exploration processes, expedite mineral identification and extraction, and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
