Tanzania will need to connect more than eight million additional households to electricity by 2030 if the country is to achieve its national electrification target, Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba has said.
Ms Makamba made the remarks on Friday during the launch of a TZS4.8 billion subsidy-funded project for the installation and distribution of solar power systems in 65 islands in Lake Victoria, during an official visit to Bezi Island in Mwanza.
She said electricity demand remains high, noting that the project will enable the installation of 20,000 solar systems in 120 islands, including Bezi, Tafu and Ukara, at affordable costs through government support.
The project is part of a wider programme backed by TZS8 billion in subsidies approved by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, covering up to 75 percent of household electricity connection costs as the country works towards its 2030 access goals.
Ms Makamba said projections from the 2022 Population and Housing Census show that the number of households is expected to reach 17.9 million by 2030.
However, by December 2024, only 5.6 million households had been connected to electricity through the national grid and off-grid solutions.
“These figures show a gap of more than eight million households that must be connected if we are to reach the target of 75 percent household electrification by 2030, as directed by the President,” she said.
She added that achieving the target will require strong investment in financial resources, skilled personnel and renewable energy technologies.
The government, she said, is continuing to reduce costs for end users through subsidies and tax exemptions.
“We are providing subsidies and, where necessary, tax exemptions on energy equipment and services such as solar systems and batteries so that citizens can afford connections and benefit from reliable and affordable electricity,” she said.
Ms Makamba said island and delta areas face distinct challenges, including long distances from the national grid, high transportation costs for equipment and scattered settlements, which increase the cost of supplying power. She said these challenges would not deny residents their right to access electricity.
“In response, the government is implementing targeted programmes that promote solar power systems and mini-grids as fast and cost-effective solutions that suit island geography and remote areas,” she said.
At the event, Acting Director General of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Mr Jones Olutu, said the project is being implemented in eight regions over a period of two years under the Energy Compact programme.
He said the government has already paid TZS3.3 billion for the project in Mwanza Region, while Sh1.5 billion will be contributed by beneficiaries after installation. Other regions set to benefit include Geita, Kagera, Mara, Rukwa, Lindi, Mtwara and Coast Region.