Tanzania's growing success in extending electricity access to rural communities has attracted interest from neighbouring Zambia, whose senior energy officials have arrived in the country for a week-long study tour to learn from the country's rural electrification model.
The delegation from Zambia's Rural Electrification Authority (REA), led by the Permanent Secretary for Electricity in the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Arnold Simwaba, arrived in Dar es Salaam on Sunday and was received at Julius Nyerere International Airport by officials from Tanzania's Ministry of Energy and the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
Among those welcoming the delegation were Wilson Nyamanga, representing the Permanent Secretary in Tanzania's Ministry of Energy, REA Director of Rural Electrification Engineer Jones Olotu, and the agency's Director of Human Resources and Administration, Renatus Msangira.
The visit comes as Tanzania continues to earn recognition for its efforts to expand electricity access in rural areas through large-scale investments and implementation of rural electrification projects that have connected millions of people to the national grid.
During the seven-day visit, the Zambian delegation will engage in technical discussions and experience-sharing sessions with Tanzanian energy experts on strategies that have helped accelerate electricity connectivity in underserved communities.
The officials are also scheduled to visit several rural electrification projects across the country to gain first-hand experience of Tanzania's approach to planning, financing and implementing power distribution initiatives in remote areas.
The exchange is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector while providing a platform for sharing best practices on expanding energy access and supporting rural development.
Tanzania's Rural Energy Agency has played a central role in increasing electricity connectivity in villages and rural settlements, contributing to improved livelihoods, business growth and the delivery of essential services such as healthcare and education.
Energy experts say regional knowledge-sharing initiatives such as the visit by the Zambian delegation are crucial in supporting African countries' efforts to achieve universal access to electricity and drive inclusive economic development.
The study tour highlights Tanzania's growing reputation as a regional leader in rural electrification and underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing energy challenges across the continent.
