The AfDB’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has issued a grant to Tanzania’s JUMEME Rural Power Supply. The grant is aimed at supporting the development of off-grid solar-hybrid systems in the country.
JUMEME Rural Power Supply is a JV between German company Inensus, Austria’s Terra Projects, and the St. Augustine University in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The grant, worth $420,000, is to kick-start a project to bring independent solar-hybrid mini-grids to at least 16 villages in the country. The AfDBsaid on its website that the initial phase of the project will bring continual electricity to 82,000 people and 2,600 shops and small businesses in the northwestern region of Tanzania. At present these settlements have an electrification rate of less than 6%.
Details for the grant were originally announced with its approval in mid-January, with the grant now being received. At the time of the announcement, Joao Duarte Cunha, SEFA coordinator, stated, “The success of JUMEME will have a strong demonstration effect for future mini-grids systems developers and operators, and pave the way for stronger AfDB engagement in this segment.”
This news follows the announcement of another venture to bring pay-as-you-go energy to rural Tanzania being launched by Tigo Tanzania, mobile retail operator Lotus Africa, and solar expert Azuri Technologies.
In addition to the grant going to Tanzania, SEFA just recently announced a preparation grant to Chad for a 40-MW solar PV plant.