The government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has provided TZS 1.63 billion to support the 360-kilowatt Ijangala Mini Hydropower Project in Makete District, Njombe Region.
The electricity generated is now officially connected to the National Grid, boosting power availability and reliability in rural areas.
Acting Technical Assistance Manager for Project Developers at REA, Engineer Emanuel Yesaya, told journalists visiting the project in Masisiwe Village, Ukwama Ward, that the grant enabled the construction of critical infrastructure for the plant.
“This project benefited from government support through REA, from feasibility studies to implementation. The funding also covered environmental assessments and project design planning,” Engineer Yesaya said.
He explained that REA’s support aims to help both public institutions and private investors establish electricity generation projects, which strengthen the National Grid and improve the quality and stability of energy supply nationwide.
The Ijangala project is implemented by the Southern Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) through the Tandala Diakonia Centre, in partnership with REA to promote rural renewable energy investment.
In addition to the TZS 1.63 billion grant, the project received a concessional loan of TZS 922 million through the Tanzania Rural Electrification Expansion Program (TREEP) managed by REA, covering construction and other project needs.
Key equipment funded by the government includes a 500 KVA transformer and a 0.6 km, 33-kilovolt transmission line linking the plant to the National Grid, managed by TANESCO.
Engineer Yesaya noted that Njombe Region hosts more than five hydropower projects that either supply electricity to the National Grid or provide power directly to local communities under Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) licenses.
Chairman of the Tanzania Editors Forum, Deodatus Balile, praised REA’s efforts, urging the government to maintain an enabling environment for private sector investment in rural energy.
“At TEF, we have seen the significant work done by REA on this project. Initiatives like this improve electricity access for citizens and contribute to national development,” Balile said.
Ijangala Project Coordinator, Daudi Sanga, confirmed the plant is now generating 360 kilowatts for the National Grid.
The project, which started in 2025, has completed major infrastructure including the dam, water pipes, power house, and substation, marking the official start of electricity generation and sales.
