Tanzania’s rural electrification agency plans solar power rollout of remote villages

Dar es Salaam. The Rural Energy Agency (REA) is planning to launch a new solar electrification initiative targeting eight remote villages in Geita, Ludewa and Mbulu districts, in a move aimed at advancing Tanzania’s goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.

The initiative will involve the deployment of Stand-Alone Solar Home Systems (SA-SHS) to more than 2,500 households and public institutions in areas currently cut off from the national grid due to challenging geographical terrain.

REA is currently seeking proposals from eligible service providers to undertake the supply, installation and maintenance of solar systems under the project, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Agenda.

According to details released by the agency, the project will be implemented in three geographical lots.

In Ludewa District (Lot 1), the villages of Ndowa, Kilondo and Nsele, comprising a total of 904 households, are earmarked for electrification.

Lot 2 will cover Domanga and Mongo wa Mono in Mbulu District, with a combined 168 households, while Lot 3 targets Izumacheli, Lunazi and Lulegeya villages in Geita District, home to 1,448 households.

Successful contractors will be responsible for delivering SA-SHS units capable of supporting peak loads of 100 watts per household and 300 watts for public institutions.

The works will also include system testing, provision of after-sales services, training of local technicians for system maintenance, and the rollout of community awareness campaigns on usage and upkeep.

While contractors are allowed to bid for more than one lot, REA will award only one lot per successful applicant to encourage broader participation.

To qualify, service providers must be legally registered in Tanzania, possess valid business and tax registration credentials, and meet all licensing requirements set by the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA).

Joint ventures of up to two companies are also permitted, provided at least one partner is registered with the Contractors Registration Board (CRB).

All solar systems and components to be supplied under the programme must be brand new and compliant with national or international standards, namely the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (Sh3188-9-8) or IEC TS 62257-9-8. Each system will include solar panels, 12V batteries, charge controllers, DC and AC sockets, and accessories such as fuses, light switches and user manuals.

REA said the initiative is part of broader efforts to extend access to clean and affordable energy to underserved communities, with a view to enhancing quality of life and promoting rural development.

“The aim is to bring sustainable energy solutions to areas where grid extension is not currently viable,” the agency stated, adding that priority will be given to providers who demonstrate the capacity to deliver quality systems and build long-term technical support within beneficiary communities.

Tanzania has made steady progress in rural electrification in recent years, with REA playing a central role in expanding energy access through both grid and off-grid solutions.

This latest solar project represents a continuation of those efforts, particularly in remote areas that have lagged behind in electrification.