On October 2, 2026, Deputy President Deogratius Ndejembi launched the Electricity Connection Financing Plan, a collaboration between the Tanzania National Electricity Company (TANESCO) and CRDB Bank. The plan aims to make electricity more accessible to citizens in both urban and rural areas, promoting social and economic development. This initiative is part of the implementation of the 300 Mission Plan, which targets to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
The plan will provide financing for electricity connections to eligible citizens, with CRDB Bank providing 27,000 Tanzanian shillings per eligible household in rural areas. The funds will be paid directly to TANESCO, eliminating the need for citizens to repay the costs. In urban and peri-urban areas, CRDB will offer affordable loans for electricity connections. This partnership is expected to increase the number of electricity customers and reach the goal of connecting 1.7 million households per year.
Deputy President Ndejembi praised TANESCO and CRDB Bank for their collaboration, stating that it is an excellent example of how public and private institutions can work together to address challenges affecting citizens. He emphasized that the partnership will facilitate access to electricity, promoting economic and social development. The plan is also expected to create opportunities for employment, production, and business.
Minister of Energy, Dr. Juma Homera, noted that the partnership between the government and the private sector will enable citizens to benefit from the government's investments in electricity. He emphasized that the collaboration will increase access to electricity, which is essential for economic growth and social development. Ambassador Zuhura Bundala, Chairman of TANESCO's Board of Directors, stated that the plan reflects the government's efforts to create an enabling environment for economic and social opportunities through electricity.
According to TANESCO's Managing Director, Lazaro Twange, the first phase of the plan will focus on rural areas. He noted that TANESCO currently has 6.4 million customers and aims to increase this number by connecting 1.7 million households per year. CRDB Bank's Managing Director, Dr. Abdulmajid Nsekela, announced that the bank has allocated one billion Tanzanian shillings per year for the plan and will provide education to citizens on how to utilize the opportunity to develop their economic and social activities.
The National Energy Compact aims to increase Tanzania's electricity access from 78.4% to 100% and the number of citizens connected to electricity from 46% to 75% by 2030. The plan is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic and social development, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity is limited.
The partnership between TANESCO and CRDB Bank is a significant step towards achieving Tanzania's energy goals. The plan will not only increase access to electricity but also promote economic growth, create jobs, and improve living standards. The government's efforts to increase electricity access have been praised by various stakeholders, who believe that it will have a positive impact on the country's development.
Key points
- The plan aims to connect 1.7 million households per year.
- The partnership between TANESCO and CRDB Bank will provide financing for electricity connections to eligible citizens.
- The plan is part of the implementation of the 300 Mission Plan, which targets to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030.
