The government of Tanzania, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has made significant strides in extending electricity access to rural areas.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms. Judith Kapinga, shared key developments regarding the government’s efforts in a recent parliamentary session.
“The government has successfully completed the task of connecting electricity to all villages across mainland Tanzania, and now, our focus is shifting to smaller settlements, known as 'hamlets',” she said.
Ms Kapinga also unveiled plans for the upcoming 2025/2026 financial year, with a clear goal of bringing electricity to 9,000 hamlets.
“We are committed to ensuring that even the smallest communities benefit from reliable electricity, and this initiative will directly impact 9,000 settlements,” she explained.
This announcement came during a parliamentary session on April 9, 2025, when Mr. Vicent Mbogo, the Member of Parliament for Nkansi South, raised a question about the extension of electricity to the hamlets in his constituency.
In response, Hon. Kapinga assured him that the Lupata settlement in Kizumbi Ward would benefit from the ongoing 15 Hamlets Electricity Project.
“The Lupata settlement will receive electricity through the 15 Hamlets Project for each Member of Parliament. Similarly, the Lwela village in Mpembe Ward will receive electricity through future projects,” she said.
Further addressing concerns raised by Condester Sichwale, the Member of Parliament for Momba, who inquired about the government’s plans for extending electricity to settlements in the Ndarambu, Msangano, and Kamsambu Divisions, Ms. Kapinga confirmed that projects are already in motion.
“The government has a clear strategy for implementing electricity projects in vitongoji, and the 15 Hamlets Project is being rolled out in every constituency,” she added.
Ms. Kapinga also provided an update on the progress of the 15 Hamlets Project, noting that contractors have completed initial tasks and are now at the stage of procuring necessary equipment.
“This is a significant step forward as we work to improve access to electricity in Tanzania’s rural communities,” she concluded.
With these ongoing projects and upcoming plans, the Tanzanian government is committed to improving the quality of life for rural residents, ensuring that more communities across the country benefit from reliable electricity.
