Young Tanzanians have been urged to seize emerging business opportunities created by the government's rural electrification and clean cooking energy programmes, with officials saying the projects are becoming a key driver of jobs and economic growth in rural communities.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador Major General (Rtd) Jacob Kingu, during a visit to the Rural Energy Agency (REA) pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba).
Accompanied by REA Director General Hassan Saidy, Mr Kingu was briefed on the agency's flagship programmes, including the nationwide clean cooking energy initiative and ongoing electricity expansion to hamlets and underserved rural settlements.
He said the government's investment in energy infrastructure was creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs to establish businesses that support the transition to modern energy while generating income.
"These exhibitions provide an opportunity for Tanzanians to understand what REA is doing and, more importantly, to identify the business opportunities arising from these projects," Mr Kingu said.
"I encourage young people to visit the REA pavilion and explore opportunities in clean cooking energy, including the production of improved cookstoves and alternative charcoal. These are businesses that can create employment while supporting the country's transition to clean energy," he added.
Mr Kingu said the expansion of electricity networks into rural areas has already begun transforming local economies by enabling the establishment of small industries, service businesses and other income-generating activities.
"Electricity has become a catalyst for economic development in rural Tanzania. It is creating opportunities for young people and women to establish businesses, improve productivity and increase household incomes," he said.
He noted that reliable electricity is allowing entrepreneurs to invest in agro-processing, refrigeration, welding, salons, digital services and other enterprises that were previously difficult to operate in villages without power.
The clean cooking programme, meanwhile, is expected to stimulate local manufacturing of energy-efficient cookstoves and alternative cooking fuels, creating new value chains while reducing dependence on traditional biomass.
REA officials said the agency is using this year's Sabasaba exhibition to raise public awareness of its projects and encourage greater participation by entrepreneurs, investors and local communities.
The government's continued expansion of rural electricity access, coupled with the promotion of clean cooking technologies, is expected to accelerate rural industrialisation, improve livelihoods and contribute to Tanzania's broader economic development agenda while advancing environmental sustainability.
