The Chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador Major General (Ret.) Jacob Kingu, has urged renewable energy developers across the country to actively seek government facilitation offered through the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
His call comes as part of broader efforts to accelerate the growth of Tanzania's clean energy sector and expand electricity access in rural areas.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the 4-megawatt Mwenga Hydropower Project in Ifwagi Village, Mufindi District, Iringa Region, Ambassador Kingu emphasized the untapped potential of renewable energy sources in Tanzania.
The Mwenga plant, developed by Mwenga Hydro Limited, harnesses the power of the Mwenga River to supply electricity to rural communities.
“Tanzania is rich in renewable resources sun, wind, geothermal, and small hydropower but many of these remain underutilized. We invite more developers to come forward and collaborate with REA. There is funding and support available, especially for projects generating under 10 megawatts,” he said.
He further stressed that investment in renewable energy is vital to Tanzania’s long-term social and economic development, noting that electricity remains a key enabler for progress across multiple sectors.
Michael Gratwicke, Managing Director of Rift Valley Energy, the parent company of Mwenga Hydro, praised REA’s instrumental role in the project’s success.
“Without REA’s support, we would not have been able to reach this level. Today, we are supplying clean, reliable electricity to approximately 10,000 households across 32 villages,” Gratwicke said.
The project received a government subsidy of approximately TZS 23 billion, according to Eng. Advera Mwijage, Director of Renewable and Alternative Energy Technologies at REA. She noted that the agency remains committed to supporting similar initiatives nationwide.
“REA prioritizes the development of renewable energy projects not only to increase electricity access but also to protect the environment, diversify energy sources, and create local employment,” she said.
The Mwenga project stands as a model of how public-private partnerships can deliver sustainable energy solutions and uplift rural communities.