Tanzania has commenced a large-scale solar energy programme designed to bring electricity to 120 islands situated across eight regions bordering major lakes and the Indian Ocean.
The project was officially inaugurated on Bezi Island in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, by Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba. During the launch, she underscored the long-standing energy challenges faced by island and delta communities, noting that their remoteness from the national grid and the high costs of laying infrastructure across water have hindered electrification efforts.
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Goal to clean energy access
The initiative will deliver 20,000 solar home systems at an estimated investment of US $3.2M (about 8 billion Tanzanian shillings). Implementation is being overseen by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), with completion expected within two years.
To ensure affordability, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has approved government subsidies covering up to 75% of connection expenses. The move is intended to make clean energy accessible to low-income and isolated households.
Beneficiary regions include Geita, Kagera and Mara along Lake Victoria; Rukwa along Lake Rukwa; and Lindi, Mtwara and the Coast region along the Indian Ocean. Beyond improving household electricity access, the solar rollout is expected to stimulate economic activity in line with Tanzania’s blue economy strategy. Reliable power will enable fishing communities to preserve and process fish locally, expand aquaculture and seaweed farming ventures, and support tourism-related enterprises in coastal and island areas. REA Acting Director General Jones Olotu confirmed that the electrification programme will be executed over a two-year timeframe, marking a major step toward narrowing the energy access gap in remote parts of the country.
