The Government of Tanzania, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has taken a historic step towards universal electricity access by signing 30 contracts worth TZS 1.2 trillion to connect 9,009 hamlets across 25 regions on the mainland. The initiative is expected to benefit 290,300 initial customers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, said the project aligns with the Sixth Phase Government’s vision, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to ensure that all hamlets nationwide have electricity by 2030.
“This Government is determined that no Tanzanian will be left behind. Having completed electrification in villages, we are now focusing on hamlets. Today’s contract signings are proof of this commitment,” he said.
Of the 30 contracts, 21 were awarded to local companies while nine went to foreign firms registered in Tanzania, reflecting the Government’s priority for domestic contractors.
Hon. Ndejembi emphasized that the energy sector is a key driver of development, with substantial investment aimed at improving the lives of rural communities.
He commended REA for its consistent role in implementing projects that deliver reliable energy and ensure public institutions, including schools and health centers, are electrified.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba, said the Government will maintain momentum to ensure electricity reaches every corner of the country, driving socio-economic transformation.
Parliament’s Energy and Minerals Committee Chair, Subira Mgalu, praised REA for realizing the Government’s vision.
“Congratulations to REA. Today marks a historic moment as contracts to electrify hamlets are signed,” he said.
REA Board Chair, Retired Major General Ambassador Jacob Kingu, urged contractors to prioritize professionalism, quality, and efficiency, while avoiding corrupt practices and learning from previous projects to achieve the expected results.
REA Director General, Mr. Hassan Saidy, said the agency is translating the Government’s ambition into action.
“By the end of 2025, electricity had reached all 12,318 villages in mainland Tanzania, sparking real economic and social transformation for rural communities,” he said.
He added that in 2021, only 28,258 of 64,359 hamlets had electricity, leaving 36,101 without access. Through projects implemented from 2021 to December 2025, 10,745 additional hamlets were connected, bringing the total with electricity to 39,003.
Another 2,435 hamlets are under ongoing projects, making 41,438 hamlets either electrified or in the process.
The three-year project will see the construction of 13,180 km of 33kV transmission lines, 14,016 km of 415V distribution lines, and 9,009 transformers. The work is divided into 30 lots, with 21 handled by local contractors and nine by registered foreign firms.
“This is the largest rural electrification project in Tanzania’s history,” Mr. Saidy said, stressing that contractors must work with integrity, professionalism, and transparency to deliver quality services to citizens.