The Rural Energy Agency (REA) used the 2026 Nane Nane International Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma to showcase its rural electrification programmes, digital information services and clean cooking initiatives to the public.
REA was among more than 400 government institutions and private-sector organisations that participated in the exhibition, which was officially closed on August 8, 2026, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Nzuguni grounds.
A key feature at the REA pavilion was the use of Smart Touch Screen TVs to provide information on rural electrification projects, including villages and hamlets that have been connected to electricity and those expected to be reached by future projects.
The agency also displayed information through photographs, illustrations and simple language, allowing visitors to obtain details about energy projects without relying solely on lengthy written explanations.
Ms Suzan Ngwegwe, a resident of Wala B hamlet in Busega District, Simiyu Region, said she was able to find information about her area through the digital display.
“I was happy to see information about my hamlet on the exhibition screen and get answers within a short time. Previously, I did not know this information was available,” she said.
Ms Asia Abdallah, a retired Kilolo District Commissioner, said the use of visual information could make it easier for members of the public to understand rural electrification data.
She said the Smart Touch Screen provided information on villages and hamlets that had electricity as well as those expected to be connected.
The exhibition also provided REA with an opportunity to engage citizens directly on the progress of rural energy programmes and respond to questions about electricity access in different communities.
Singida District Commissioner Godwin Gondwe said the exhibition offered an opportunity for visitors to understand the work being undertaken by REA across the country.
Meanwhile, environmental stakeholders used the exhibition to highlight the importance of clean cooking technologies.
Mr Ally Salehe, an environmental stakeholder from Manyara Region, said greater adoption of clean cooking solutions could reduce household dependence on charcoal and firewood.
He said the shift could contribute to reducing pressure on forests while limiting exposure to smoke from traditional cooking fuels.
The participation of REA at Nane Nane comes as Tanzania continues to expand access to electricity in rural communities and promote cleaner cooking solutions.
The use of digital platforms at public exhibitions also provides an additional channel through which citizens can obtain information about government projects and follow their implementation in their communities.
