Singida Regional Commissioner, Halima Dendego, has lauded the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for its pivotal role in extending electricity to rural areas, a development that has significantly transformed the lives of rural Tanzanians.
Dendego made the remarks today, April 11, in Singida, during the opening of the First Annual Meeting between the Development Partners in the Energy Sector (EDPG) and REA.
The meeting, aimed at reviewing REA’s budget and work plan for the 2025/26 fiscal year, marked a moment of reflection on the agency's achievements and future plans.
“Electricity is a cornerstone of national development and the well-being of any nation’s people. Rural electrification is fundamental to accelerating development in our rural areas. We have all witnessed the substantial impact on economic growth, improved living standards, and enhanced access to social services,” said Dendego.
She further emphasized the commitment of the Tanzanian government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in prioritizing rural electrification, ensuring it remains central to the country's development agenda.
“The energy sector, particularly rural electrification, has seen tremendous progress. This is an achievement we must celebrate,” she added.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Khatib Kazungu, expressed his appreciation for the contributions of development partners, highlighting their significant role in advancing Tanzania’s energy sector.
He assured them that the government remains committed to working with them to ensure the continued provision of affordable and reliable energy to all Tanzanians.
“The government's partnership with development partners has played an instrumental role in the transformation of our energy sector. We are committed to achieving the goal of providing affordable and sustainable energy for all,” Dr. Kazungu affirmed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador Major General (ret.) Jacob Kingu, noted that Tanzania has made remarkable strides in rural electrification.
He attributed these successes to the government’s vision and the unwavering support from development partners.
“The REB will continue to oversee REA’s operations, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards,” said Kingu.
Kjetil Schie, the Chairman of the Energy Development Partners Group (EDPG), also praised REA’s efforts in bringing electricity to rural areas.
He highlighted the profound impact electricity has had on improving social services such as healthcare, water supply, and education.
“Through our collaboration, we have seen how electricity has enhanced vital services in rural areas. From healthcare to education, the benefits are clear. We remain committed to working alongside the Tanzanian government to ensure that every citizen has access to electricity,” Schie stated.
Representing REA’s Director General, Engineer Hassan Saidy, the Director of Rural Electrification, Engineer Jones Olotu, extended gratitude to the development partners, including the European Union (EU), the World Bank, the Norwegian Government, the Swedish Government, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the African Development Bank.
He assured that REA would continue to execute projects on time and maintain the highest standards to ensure that the shared goal of electrifying every Tanzanian is fully realized.
“REA remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality rural electrification projects. We are grateful for the continued support of our development partners and look forward to achieving our shared objectives,” Engineer Olotu concluded.
