The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has highlighted notable progress in the implementation of rural electrification projects across Tanzania, saying expanded government funding has enabled the agency to extend electricity access to more villages while also investing in renewable energy solutions.
REA officials shared the progress during a special televised interview aired live on ITV Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on March 2, 2026, where they discussed milestones achieved in the government’s programme to supply electricity to rural communities.
The interview featured REA’s Director of Rural Electrification, Eng. Jones Olotu, and the Director of Renewable and Alternative Energy Technologies, Eng. Advera Mwijage, who outlined achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding electricity access in villages and remote areas.
Eng. Olotu said the government had increased financial support for rural electrification projects after being satisfied with REA’s performance, enabling the agency to widen the reach of its programmes.
He explained that the electrification drive initially focused on priority areas that directly serve communities, including district headquarters, schools, health facilities and water supply infrastructure.
“So far we have completed electricity distribution to villages and are now expanding the programme to hamlets. We started with 506 villages, focusing on priority areas that provide essential services to citizens,” he said.
According to him, the expansion of electricity infrastructure in rural areas has significantly improved the delivery of social services and opened new economic opportunities for communities.
Eng. Mwijage said REA is also intensifying efforts to promote renewable energy projects as part of the government’s broader energy transition strategy.
She noted that the agency is implementing various projects that generate electricity using clean sources such as hydropower and solar energy.
“At the moment we have many projects underway involving the construction of mini-grids, and we have already built more than 70 mini-grids using hydropower and solar energy,” she said.
The mini-grid systems are designed to serve remote areas where connecting to the national electricity grid remains technically challenging or costly.
Eng. Mwijage also highlighted a major project aimed at improving electricity access in island communities through solar power systems.
“We are implementing a large project in island areas where we are installing 20,000 solar electricity systems in the initial phase. These systems are being provided at subsidised prices so that every citizen can access electricity according to their income level,” she said.
She added that improving electricity access in island communities will help stimulate economic activities while also improving living standards.
The interview session also provided an opportunity for members of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) and members of the public to ask questions, share their views and commend the progress achieved in expanding electricity access to rural areas.
REA continues to play a central role in implementing Tanzania’s rural electrification agenda, which aims to ensure that more communities across the country gain access to reliable and affordable energy while supporting sustainable development.
