EU supports rural electrification in Tanzania

During an official visit to Tanzania, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica signed a €50 million programme to support rural electrification in the country.

The new financing agreement will support the access of Tanzanian citizens to affordable and sustainable energy through extending energy grids as well as expanding distribution networks.
During the signing ceremony, Commissioner Mimica said: "Our important programme worth €50 million will help accelerate the Tanzanian people's access to modern energy. It will provide electricity to over 3600 villages in rural regions of Tanzania, essentially benefitting 1 million people. And this access to energy is vital: it will increase the quality of life in rural areas, improve health and educational services and bring clear benefits, particularly to women and children."

During his visit to Tanzania, Commissioner Mimica met government representatives, international and national development partners, civil society and non-governmental organisations.
In his exchanges with the Tanzanian authorities and other local stakeholders, he will also discuss progress and challenges regarding the country's National Development Plan, as well as the cooperation between the EU and Tanzania in the fields of job creation, socio-economic development, sustainable agriculture and energy, rural roads, governance and human rights.
During his visit and his various meetings, Commissioner Mimica furthermore paid special attention to the important role of youth. Notably, he discussed this important topic when meeting civil society actors working to support children and youth, as well as young people. This comes ahead of the upcoming African Union – European Union Summit on 29 and 30 November will be held under the overarching theme of "Investment in youth for accelerated inclusive growth and sustainable development".

Background
EU support to the Republic of Tanzania focuses mainly on three sectors: good governance and development, energy and sustainable agriculture. Today's programme will be financed through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), under which €626 million are allocated to Tanzania for the period 2014-2020.