On a bright Tuesday morning, an unusual sight captured the attention of onlookers at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) sub-office, in Tanzania’s bustling commercial capital of Dar es Salaam. A gleaming fleet of Toyota Land Cruisers, bedecked with Tanzanian flags and emblazoned with the words, “Rural Energy Agency, co-funded by the European Union” were lined up and ready to be handed over.

This fleet of vehicles, totalling twenty-one and valued at TZS 1.9 Billion (EUR 690,032), constitutes the European Union’s (EU) support for the Turnkey III - Rural Electrification programme, a flagship initiative that has been operational since 2017. These vehicles will play a crucial role in enabling REA to monitor and supervise the implementation of the programme, which aims to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to rural areas.

During the handover event, Cédric Merel, EU Head of Cooperation, expressed that the vehicles will be instrumental in helping REA reach out to the rural areas and to the customers, emphasizing the need for proper equipment to carry out their work. This, he said, was essential for ensuring the good quality of power distribution networks.

“We expect that these vehicles will be put to good use, serving the rural electrification mandate beyond the project’s duration. Setting up the network is an important first step, but investing in maintenance is equally important for a reliable, sustainable and modern energy service, ensuring long term benefits for the population.” added  Mr. Merel.

The handover ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister for Energy, Honourable Judith Kapinga. Present at the event were the Director General of REA, Eng. Hassan Saidy, and the Board Chair of REA, Ambassador Jacob Kingu.

Honourable Kapinga expressed her gratitude to the EU for its continuous support in the energy sector, particularly, its assistance to REA, a key driver of rural development.

Kapinga stated, "We are deeply appreciate the EU for the cooperative spirit that has marked our partnership. The financial assistance provided has significantly enhanced our infrastructure and strengthened Tanzania’s energy sector."

Apart from the EU, the Rural Electrification programme also receives support from other partners, including the World Bank, and the governments of Sweden and Norway with a total cost of TZS 1.5 trillion (EUR 561 million). The overall EU contribution to the programme isTZS 178 billion (EUR 65 million, with TZS 175 billion (EUR 63.9 million) going directly to REA.

REA’s Eng. Saidy highlighted that the programme electrified a total of 3,567 villages and 1332 hamlets, funded through the EU contribution.

He added, “This is in addition to the connection of 316 health centers and water pumps, with the expectation of connecting 137 other facilities before March 2024” he said.

About the Turnkey III - Rural Electrification Programme

The Turnkey III - Rural Electrification Programme is a joint initiative of the Government of Tanzania, the European Union, the World Bank, and the governments of Sweden and Norway. The programme aims to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to rural areas in Tanzania, with the goal of improving livelihoods and fostering social and economic development

About the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is a government agency responsible for the development and implementation of rural electrification projects in Tanzania. The REA is committed to providing affordable and reliable electricity to all Tanzanians, regardless of their location.