Residents of Mapili Village in Mlele District have expressed deep gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for transforming their livelihoods through the government's rural electrification programme, spearheaded by the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
The praise came during a REA led national awareness campaign promoting the productive use of electricity to boost local economic activities.
Held on August 13, 2025, the event showcased how access to reliable electricity is unlocking opportunities in rural Tanzania.
“Before electricity, life was tough,” said Amos Katawa, a retired teacher and long-time resident of Mapili. “There was no light at night, and development activities were limited.
Today, our lives have changed. We have lighting, access to news via television, and even job opportunities created by electricity. We are truly grateful to President Samia.”
For local artisan Mrisho Mussa, electricity has brought his welding business closer to home. “Previously, I had to travel to Inyonga town to fabricate gates and other items. It was costly and time consuming. Now I work from my own village. Everything I need is right here,” he said. He urged fellow technicians to explore local opportunities instead of migrating to urban centres.
Women in the village have also seen significant improvements. Scholastica Kitwewe shared how electricity has eased household chores. “We used to spend hours pounding maize by hand. Now we have milling and grain-processing machines right in the village. It’s saving us time and effort.”
Similarly, carpenter Elasto Mwampaya, popularly known as Fundi Lam, said electricity has elevated the quality and reach of his furniture-making business. “Now I produce high-quality furniture that I can sell to other regions. I’ve also been able to employ and train youth using modern electric tools,” he noted.
Mapili Village Chairman, Anthony Mwijuma, lauded the REA project as a game changer. “Thanks to President Samia, our youth are now self employed. Small businesses in beverages, electronics, and welding have emerged right here in our village.”
REA’s Katavi Regional Project Manager, Engineer Gilbert Furia, confirmed that all villages in Mlele and Mpimbwe district councils have now been connected to the national grid. The current phase focuses on extending the service to sub villages.
“To date, 176 out of 251 sub-villages in these councils have been connected, and the rollout continues. We thank President Samia for her commitment and the resources that made this possible,” Eng. Furia stated.
Mlele District Executive Director, Yahaya Mbulu, praised the speed and impact of the rural electrification effort.
“This is not the same Mlele we knew a few years ago. Electricity has brought real change jobs, businesses, and hope. The Sixth Phase Government has delivered.”
The electrification of rural areas is part of the government’s broader commitment to inclusive development, aiming to ensure that no Tanzanian is left behind in the country’s journey towards industrialisation and improved livelihoods.