Tanzania's rural electrification programme is steadily transforming lives in remote communities, with the government urging residents in newly connected hamlets to use electricity to create businesses, improve household incomes and access better social services.
Speaking during the commissioning of electricity projects in Mwamlula Hamlet, Mseko Village, and Kipeke Hamlet, Masagi Village, in Iramba District on July 15, Rural Energy Board (REB) Chairperson, Ambassador Major General (Rtd.) Jacob Kingu said expanding electricity access to rural hamlets remains a key government priority in promoting inclusive development.
He said the government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), is implementing an ambitious plan to connect all 64,359 hamlets nationwide to electricity by 2030.
"So far, electricity has reached 62.4 per cent of all hamlets, and implementation is continuing to ensure every community benefits from reliable power," Kingu said.
He attributed the progress to continued government investment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying the support has enabled REA to accelerate rural electrification projects across the country.
Kingu encouraged residents to view electricity as more than a source of lighting, urging them to invest in productive economic activities that can improve livelihoods and stimulate local economies.
"Electricity creates opportunities for entrepreneurship, value addition and the expansion of essential services. Communities should use this opportunity to improve their incomes and living standards," he said.
Representing the REA Director General, Thomas Mbaga said Singida Region has 2,289 hamlets, of which 1,196—equivalent to 52.25 per cent—have already been connected to the national grid, while electrification works are continuing in the remaining 1,093 hamlets.
He noted that the government has invested about TZS 94.6 billion in rural electrification projects in Singida Region alone and called on residents to safeguard electricity infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted service and protect public investment.
"The government is committing substantial financial resources to expand electricity access. It is therefore important for communities to protect the infrastructure so that everyone continues to benefit," Mbaga said.
Residents welcomed the arrival of electricity, saying it would improve security, enhance access to services and create new income-generating opportunities.
"We are delighted that electricity has reached our hamlet. Beyond lighting our homes, we plan to use it to establish businesses and improve our household income," said Lucia Constantine, a resident of Mwamlula Hamlet.
The expansion of electricity to rural hamlets forms part of Tanzania's broader efforts to increase energy access, promote rural industrialisation and improve the quality of life for communities that have long remained beyond the reach of the national grid.
