Flag of Tanzania United Republic of Tanzania

Context and Opportunities

Tanzania is a vast country with a predominantly rural population and an economy largely based on agriculture. The country has made rural electrification an absolute priority. The potential for decentralized solutions is immense to connect the millions of Tanzanians living far from urban centers and to modernize the agricultural sector.

Potential Intervention Zones

The central and western regions (Tabora, Kigoma, Rukwa) as well as the southern part of the country are areas with high potential. Access to energy, water, and the internet would allow for the development of agricultural value chains and support tourism around the southern national parks.

Institutional Partnership

The Rural Energy Agency (REA) of Tanzania is a continental leader in rural electrification, with highly developed financing and public-private partnership frameworks. It is an essential partner for any project in the country.

Tanzania at a glance

  • Population: ~67.4 M
  • GDP per capita: ~ $1,200 USD
RMS Impact Potential
  • Target Market: ~27.0 M people
  • Total Potential: ~27,000 sites
  • Target (30%): ~8,100 sites
  • Project Status: Market analysis.

Access Rates & Estimated Impact

⚡ Energy

~43%

National electricity access rate.

💧 Drinking Water

~64%

National drinking water access rate.

📡 Internet

~32%

Internet penetration rate.

Potential Economic Activities for Beneficiaries

  • Direct activities: Management of phone charging points, sale of Wi-Fi top-up cards, first-level maintenance of solar and water installations.
  • Indirect activities: Development of small businesses requiring refrigeration, sewing or welding workshops, secretarial services, online training centers, telemedicine consultations, and e-commerce for local artisans.