More than 127.7 billion shillings has been invested in expanding rural electrification in Mwanza Region, marking a major step in improving livelihoods, boosting economic activities, and strengthening social services in rural communities.
The announcement was made on April 18, 2026, by Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda during a meeting between the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and the Energy Development Partners Group (EDPG), where REA also presented its work plan and budget priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Mtanda said the investment reflects the government’s continued commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure electricity reaches even the most remote villages and hamlets.
He noted that the funds have been used to expand electricity infrastructure across the region, enabling more households, schools, and health facilities to access reliable power.
He said the impact of rural electrification is already visible, with increased small business activities, improved public services, and better opportunities for youth and women in rural areas.
“The government has invested over 127.7 billion shillings in Mwanza alone to ensure electricity reaches villages and even the most remote areas. These efforts are already changing lives,” said Mtanda.
He also urged communities to take responsibility in protecting electricity infrastructure, warning that vandalism and damage to facilities delay development and increase costs.
He stressed that both government and development partners are investing heavily and expect communities to safeguard the infrastructure for long-term benefit.
Mtanda further encouraged REA and its development partners to continue prioritizing clean cooking energy solutions to reduce environmental challenges and improve health in rural households.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairperson of the Rural Energy Board, Retired Major General Jacob Kingu, said development partners have continued to show strong confidence in Tanzania’s energy programmes due to improved implementation and accountability.
He said the board will continue to ensure that all REA projects deliver value for money and directly benefit citizens.
“Our focus is to ensure that every investment in rural energy brings real benefits to wananchi through better services, transparency, and efficiency,” said Kingu.
REA Director General Engineer Hassan Saidy said the agency has presented its priorities for the next financial year, focusing on expanding electricity access to rural communities and increasing household connections.
He said the main goal is to ensure that wananchi directly benefit from electricity through improved access, especially in villages and sub-villages.
“We are now focusing on speeding up household connections so that more citizens can benefit directly from electricity in their homes and businesses,” said Saidy.
He added that REA will also focus on expanding clean cooking energy, promoting renewable energy projects, and encouraging productive use of electricity in economic activities such as agriculture and small industries.
Chairperson of the Energy Development Partners Group Robert Hovde praised Tanzania for its strong progress in rural electrification, saying the country has made significant strides over the past years.
He said development partners remain committed to supporting Tanzania’s energy agenda, noting that the progress achieved so far shows strong potential for achieving universal electricity access.
The meeting reaffirmed strong collaboration between the government and development partners in expanding clean and reliable energy to rural communities, with stakeholders expressing confidence that continued investment will further improve the lives of wananchi and strengthen rural development across the country.
