The government has launched a subsidised solar power programme aimed at extending electricity access to hard-to-reach island communities, with 20,000 solar systems set to be installed across 120 islands nationwide.
The project was launched on Bezi Island in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, by the Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, who said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to electricity regardless of geographical barriers or settlement patterns.
Implemented by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), the Sh8 billion project is supported by a subsidy of up to 75 percent approved by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, significantly reducing the cost of electricity connections for island residents.
Ms Makamba said island and delta areas face persistent challenges, including long distances from the national grid, high transportation costs for equipment and scattered settlements that raise distribution expenses. She stressed that these challenges should not deny citizens access to reliable energy services.
She noted that the targeted use of solar systems and mini-grids offers a practical and fast solution to reach island communities while promoting clean and affordable energy.
The approach, she said, will also reduce reliance on diesel and other unsustainable energy sources.
The Deputy Minister said the project will directly support the Blue Economy agenda, a national priority for coastal and island areas.
She explained that reliable electricity will enable fishers to add value to fish and sardines before reaching markets, boost incomes for households and local authorities, and strengthen activities such as aquaculture, seaweed farming and tourism.
She thanked President Samia for continued funding of energy projects and said the Ministry of Energy will closely oversee implementation to ensure quality, transparency and accountability.
Ms Makamba further directed REA and Tanzania Electric Supply Company to prioritise electrification of essential social service institutions, including health centres, schools and police posts that are still without power.
She also called for stronger promotion of clean cooking energy in markets, bus terminals and auction centres, citing the need to protect public health and the environment from smoke caused by firewood and charcoal.
Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy (Electricity and Renewable Energy), Engineer Edson Ngabo urged beneficiaries to use electricity as a catalyst for economic transformation by expanding productive activities.
He said the government is strengthening the contribution of renewable energy, including solar, both on-grid and off-grid, as part of its broader strategy to expand generation capacity.
He added that private sector participation remains key, with the government targeting 8,000 megawatts of installed capacity by 2030.
Acting REA Director General Engineer Jones Olotu said the two-year project will be implemented in eight regions under the Energy Compact, which aims to provide electricity access to all Tanzanians by 2030, including the connection of nearly eight million new customers.
In Mwanza Region alone, the project will cover 65 islands at a cost of TZS4.8 billion. Of this amount, the government has already contributed TZS3.3 billion, with the balance to be paid by beneficiaries under the subsidy arrangement.
The regions set to benefit from the solar electrification project include Mwanza, Geita, Kagera, Mara, Rukwa, Lindi, Mtwara and Pwani.