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The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has showcased significant progress in expanding access to clean and affordable energy across Tanzania during the Clean Energy Expo 2026, held at the Ubungo EACLC Hall in Dar es Salaam.
The event has brought together energy stakeholders, development partners, innovators, and the public to discuss solutions for advancing clean energy access. The Deputy Minister of Energy, Salome Makamba, is expected to officiate as guest of honour.
Speaking during the conference on June 24, 2026, REA Project Manager Engineer Francis Manyama said the government’s rural electrification drive has played a key role in reducing reliance on dirty and unsafe energy sources while promoting the use of clean energy in both households and institutions.
He said increased electricity access in rural areas has helped many citizens shift away from generators and other fuel-based systems that contribute to pollution and environmental damage.
According to him, this transition is improving living standards while supporting Tanzania’s clean energy agenda.
Engineer Manyama said Rural Energy Agency is also implementing solar energy projects in islands and remote areas that are not connected to the national grid.
Under the programme, 20,000 solar systems are expected to be installed to ensure communities in hard-to-reach areas access reliable and clean electricity.
He said the initiative is improving opportunities for households, small businesses, schools, and health facilities by ensuring stable energy supply in areas where grid electricity is not yet available.
In addition, REA is supporting small-scale hydropower producers as part of efforts to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
This, he said, is helping reduce dependence on wood fuel and other environmentally harmful energy options.
On clean cooking energy, Engineer Manyama said REA is actively promoting the use of modern cooking technologies across the country, especially in institutions such as schools, colleges, prisons, and other public facilities.
He said in the first, second, and third phases of the programme, 454 institutions that serve large numbers of people will be equipped with clean cooking systems at no cost.
The aim is to reduce the use of firewood and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation and health risks from smoke exposure.
REA is also making clean cooking more affordable through subsidies, including a 50 per cent subsidy on six-kilogram LPG cylinders and between 80 and 85 per cent subsidies on energy-efficient cookstoves.
These measures are intended to help more families and institutions transition to cleaner and safer cooking options.
Engineer Manyama further said REA has already installed clean cooking systems in prisons across the country and in 22 camps of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force – JKT in 14 regions.
He said this intervention is reducing firewood consumption in large institutions and contributing to environmental conservation.
Participants at the Clean Energy Expo 2026 praised REA’s efforts, saying the ongoing projects are helping improve access to electricity, reduce energy costs, and protect the environment.
They said the expo has provided an important platform for sharing innovations and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders in the energy sector.
The Clean Energy Expo 2026 continues in Dar es Salaam, with discussions focusing on expanding clean energy access, particularly in rural and underserved communities, as Tanzania accelerates its transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
