Tanzania on Saturday launched a major solar electrification drive targeting 120 islands across eight regions bordering key water bodies, including Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean.
The project aims to install 20,000 solar home systems for 8 billion Tanzanian shillings (about $3.2 million). Implemented by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), the initiative was officially inaugurated by Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba on Bezi Island in Lake Victoria, located in the Ilemela district of the Mwanza region.
Regions set to benefit include Geita, Kagera, and Mara along Lake Victoria; Rukwa along Lake Rukwa; and Lindi, Mtwara, and Coast along the Indian Ocean. Makamba said the government would subsidise up to 75 percent of connection costs to ensure electricity access remains affordable for remote island communities.
She added that the initiative supports Tanzania’s blue economy agenda by enabling fishermen to add value to fish products before sale, while strengthening aquaculture, seaweed farming, and beach tourism. REA Acting Director General Jones Olotu said implementation will span two years.
