[PRESSWIRE] Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania – 2026-02-07 — Tanzania has committed 61.9 billion Tanzanian shillings (roughly $24 million) to expand electricity access to 528 rural hamlets in mineral-rich Geita Region, a move expected to benefit about 17,014 households, officials said.

The initiative is part of the country’s broader drive to achieve universal electricity access under its National Electrification Program.

Rural Energy Agency (REA) project engineer Self-Abdul explained that Geita has a total of 2,195 hamlets, of which 1,193 already have power.

The current project will reduce unelectrified hamlets to 474, with full electrification planned before 2030, in line with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 targets.

The rollout includes the construction of 663 kilometres of medium-voltage lines, 821 kilometres of low-voltage lines, and the installation of 528 transformers across all nine constituencies in the region.

Implementation began on January 17, 2026, with completion expected by January 29, 2029. Local employment will be prioritised, and authorities are coordinating closely with local governments to ensure smooth delivery.

REA says the Geita project will significantly improve residents’ quality of life, enabling better access to education, healthcare, and small-scale enterprise development.

The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy.

Officials also noted that electrification enhances regional integration by supporting industrial activity, agro-processing, and local businesses, making energy access a driver for economic inclusion in line with continental strategies promoted by the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“The project not only brings power to homes but also opens opportunities for growth, education, and digital connectivity,” Self-Abdul said. “By prioritising local labour and coordinating with district authorities, we aim to deliver a lasting impact on the community.”

– Tanzania has allocated 61.9 billion Tanzanian shillings (about $24 million) to electrify 528 rural hamlets in Geita Region.

– The project is expected to benefit approximately 17,014 households and forms part of the National Electrification Programme.

– Geita has 2,195 hamlets, with 1,193 already electrified; the new phase will reduce unelectrified hamlets to 474, with full coverage targeted before 2030.

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