The government has officially commissioned the Mtera Electricity Substation (2x10MVA, 220/33kV), a project that will improve power reliability, reduce electricity shortages, and boost essential services in health, education, water supply, and communications across Iringa and Dodoma regions.
Speaking at the inauguration on January 16, 2026, Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi said the expansion of the Mtera substation is part of the Sixth Phase Government’s drive, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to ensure affordable and reliable electricity reaches rural communities.
“The electricity supply is sufficient. I urge citizens to connect to the grid and benefit from economic opportunities created by reliable power,” Minister Ndejembi said.
REA Permanent Secretary Eng. Felchesmi Mramba highlighted the agency’s transformative role in rural electrification.
He noted that only 7% of rural households had electricity in 2014, a figure that has now jumped to 78% in 2026.
Simon Lusengekile, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, praised the government’s strategy through REA in delivering energy projects.
He urged citizens to protect electricity infrastructure to ensure it benefits both present and future generations.
The project was supported by Norway and Sweden, whose representatives expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the substation, which is already benefiting communities in both regions.
Amb. Jacob Kingu, Chair of the Rural Energy Board (REB), commended REA management and staff for completing the project, emphasizing the agency’s vital role in advancing Tanzania’s energy sector.
REA Director-General Hassan Saidy confirmed that the substation was built at a cost of TZS 9.2 billion, funded by the Tanzanian government in partnership with Sweden and Norway.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Commissioners of Dodoma and Iringa, Dodoma RC Rosemary Senyamule said the project will significantly benefit citizens, encouraging residents of Kongwa and Mpwapwa districts to leverage reliable electricity to boost industrial production and stimulate economic growth in Dodoma.
The Mtera substation, with a total capacity of 18 megawatts, is expected to improve electricity quality and support socio-economic development, marking another milestone in Tanzania’s rural electrification journey.