The sixth government has disbursed over TZS 15 billion to support the Mwenga Hydro Ltd project in Mufindi District, Iringa Region, in a move aimed at expanding access to electricity in rural Tanzania.
The funds, channeled through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), are being used to boost power generation using small-scale hydro and wind resources.
The announcement was made on July 31, 2025, during a field visit by the Rural Energy Board (REB) to assess the implementation of the project.
Speaking on behalf of REB Chairperson Ambassador (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Jacob Kingu, board member James Mabula said the funding reflects the government’s commitment to rural electrification.
“Through this support, the project now generates four megawatts of electricity from hydro sources,” said Mabula.
According to REA, the Mwenga Hydro project has already connected 8,000 customers to the electricity grid. All of them have been reached with the agency’s support, representing 100 percent coverage under the programme.
REA’s Energy Technologies Manager, Eng. Michael Kessy, said the agency will continue to invest in the project to ensure a steady and sufficient power supply to rural communities.
He noted that access to reliable electricity is crucial for driving local economic development, especially in off-grid areas.
Mwenga Hydro Ltd CEO Deogratius Massawe said the company is working to add 2,900 more customers under a new subsidy agreement with REA.
He thanked the government for the continued support, saying it has enabled the project to reach more villages in Iringa Region.
The REB delegation visited the project as part of its wider mission to monitor REA-supported initiatives and find solutions to challenges facing small-scale energy developers in the country.