Dar es Salaam. As President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania marks four years in power, her administration’s commitment to providing electricity to every Tanzanian is taking shape, reshaping the lives of millions across the nation.
The promise of accessible electricity is not just a campaign slogan; it is a transformative goal that aims to uplift communities, enhance economic activities, and improve healthcare services.
Bridging the electrification gap
When President Samia took office on March 19, 2021, Tanzania faced a significant challenge: approximately 4,000 villages lacked access to electricity.
This was a pressing issue for a country that was projected to have a population of about 59.4 million in 2021, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Recognizing this, the government made a bold promise to electrify all 12,318 villages by December 2025.
Going by the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Tanzania’s population is currently estimated to be around 61.7million.
“During our initial assessments, it was clear that many communities had been overlooked,” said Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Judith Kapinga, during her recent visit to Mang’oto Village in the Makete District, Njombe Region.
She added: “Our focus is on ensuring that all Tanzanians, regardless of their location, have access to reliable electricity.”
A Vision realized
The government’s electrification efforts have already shown significant progress.
As of January 2025, the country had connected 78.4 percent of its rural population to electricity, marking a historic milestone.
According to Jones Olotu, Director of Rural Electrification at the Rural Energy Agency (REA), all villages in Tanzania are now connected to the grid, with ongoing efforts to electrify the remaining hamlets.
“We are on track to ensure that by 2030, an additional 13.5 million Tanzanians will gain access to electricity,” Mr Olotu stated recently.
This initiative is critical not only for improving living standards but also for fostering economic development in rural areas.
Economic and social impact
In Mang’oto, the arrival of electricity has been a game-changer.
Local residents have initiated various economic activities, including grain milling and welding, which were previously unfeasible.
Moreover, the local health clinic, which relied on solar energy, has seen improved service delivery thanks to a stable electricity supply.
“The electrification of our village has opened doors to new opportunities. We can now operate machines that were once a dream,” said a local entrepreneur, Mr Abel Nelson.
Adding: “This is not just about power; it’s about improving our livelihoods.”
Government commitment and community engagement
Deputy Minister Kapinga emphasized the importance of community engagement in the electrification process.
She urged the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) and REA to continue educating residents on how to connect to the electricity grid.
The government has also set up a free hotline, 180, for citizens to report issues or seek information regarding their electricity connections.
“Our goal is to ensure that every citizen understands their rights and the processes involved in accessing electricity,” Ms Kapinga stated.
“It is vital for economic empowerment and community development.”
A brighter future
President Samia’s administration has laid a strong foundation for a brighter, more electrified Tanzania.
By prioritizing electricity access, her government is not only fulfilling a critical need but is also enabling economic growth and improving healthcare in rural areas.
As the country approaches the target of universal electrification, the vision set forth by President Samia continues to inspire hope and drive progress across Tanzania.
The story of electricity access in Tanzania under President Samia is a testament to what can be achieved when leadership aligns with the needs of the people.
As the nation moves forward, the commitment to electrification remains a beacon of progress, promising a brighter future for all Tanzanians.
