Unpacking authoritarian governance in electricity policy: Understanding progress, inconsistency and stagnation in Tanzania

In Africa, the 21st century has seen increased policy focus on electricity sector, with targets for providing reliable, affordable power and achieving universal access. But how to understand policymaking affecting these goals? Recent academic literature tended factors like ‘political will’ positive impacts of democratic liberal-market institutional reform. However, given predominance authoritarianism in we also need unpack countries ruled by dominant political elites. This article, using insights from settlements framework, addresses this case study Tanzania. Whilst under consistent de-facto 1-party rule, it experienced two markedly different periods generation, first President Kikwete (2005–2015) second Magufuli (2015–2021). Meanwhile consistent, substantive increases were achieved Using article explains contrasts through shifts nature power. The demonstrates that centralised, fragmented regimes contain weaknesses their ability implement pursue long-term development, whilst centralised have a weakness supressing critique. Overall, reinforces importance analysing manifestation within ruling elite, way shapes key pressures horizons.