Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 14 July 2025 – The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), has officially launched the third cohort of the Women in Sustainable Energy (WISE) Scholarship Programme during a press conference held today at DIT.

Funded by the Embassy of Ireland and implemented in partnership with UNDP and DIT, the WISE Scholarship Programme is a flagship national initiative aimed at equipping young Tanzanian women with the technical skills and leadership tools needed to drive the country’s energy transition. The programme offers fully funded Master’s scholarships in Sustainable Energy Engineering at DIT and supports Tanzania’s commitment to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future.

“Today, we are proud to announce 10 new Women in Sustainable Energy (WISE) Scholarships—bringing the total to 45 empowered young women leading Tanzania’s inclusive energy future. This is more than a number—it is a national investment in gender equity, skills, and sustainability,” said Wilson Nyamanga, Assistant Director of Administration at the Ministry of Energy. He emphasized the initiative’s role in strengthening national technical capacity: “This scholarship programme does not just fill gaps—it opens doors. It creates a new generation of women leaders who are equipped to transform the energy landscape in Tanzania and beyond.”

Building on the success of the first two cohorts (2023 and 2024), which supported 35 scholars with funding from the European Union and the Embassy of Ireland, the third cohort will see an additional 10 scholarships awarded. The package includes tuition fees, monthly stipends, thesis and research support, return travel, study exhibitions, and access to extracurricular activities.

“UNDP reaffirms its commitment to accelerating Tanzania’s clean energy transition as a cornerstone of climate resilience and sustainable development,” said Dr. Abbas Kitogo, Programme Specialist for Energy, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management at UNDP Tanzania. “By expanding opportunities for young women in this sector, we are building a more innovative, diverse, and capable workforce to shape local climate solutions.”

Representing the Embassy of Ireland, a key partner of the programme, Deputy Head of Cooperation remarked, “Ireland is proud to partner with Tanzania and UNDP to invest in the next generation of clean energy champions. Empowering women in energy is not only a matter  of equity—it’s an investment in resilience, innovation, and a greener future for all.” Said Helen Counihan –Deputy Head of Cooperation

Hosting the launch, Dr Respicius Kiiza, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Energy of DIT, welcomed the third cohort and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality delivery: “DIT remains proud to serve as the academic home of the WISE Programme. Through our advanced labs and expert faculty, we are committed to preparing these scholars with both theoretical grounding and practical experience.”

Aligned with Tanzania’s newly launched National Energy Efficiency Strategy (2024–2034), the WISE Programme targets the gender gap in key areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean cooking, and e-mobility. A total of TZS 250 million has been allocated to support the 2025/2026 cohort.

Scholars will benefit from classroom instruction, mentorship, and exposure to real-world energy challenges through study tours and technical workshops. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through the DIT website: www.dit.ac.tz

The WISE Scholarship Programme continues to advance Tanzania’s leadership in gender-inclusive climate action, while contributing to national and global sustainable development goals.