TAMFI and their collaborators; Engishon Microfinance, Samekaya SACCOS and Simusolar  are excited to share the incredible journey of the recent outreach initiative in Monduli and Simanjiro where we engaged with local communities, government leaders, and financial groups to spread the news of action on the use of solar energy particularly for productive use. More than two hundred people participated in these two community events.

Many families in Monduli face daily struggles with water shortages and lack of reliable lighting. Engishon Microfinance has been working tirelessly to bring financial solutions to these pastoralist communities, initially offering home lanterns and small solar panels However, with the rise of unregulated vendors selling low-quality products, it became clear that a more structured and sustainable approach was needed. That’s where our outreach program stepped in.

The Team had the privilege of meeting Hassan Kalinga, the Village Executive Officer of Makuyuni, who welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of community awareness. Engishon Microfinance explained their loan offerings, which range from TZS 3 million to 10 million, with affordable repayment plans. We also met members from local financial groups, including Neoye, Chair of Nashipai, and Njipai Narpadatu, who shared their experiences. The need for clean water and reliable electricity was clearly articulated—families are forced to walk long distances for water, paying up to TZS 1,000 per 20L bucket. Only two houses in their entire “boma” of more than a thousand people have access to grid electricity.

A Visit to Ruvu Remit and Gunge villages in Simanjiro: At Ruvu Remit with Samekaya SACCOS, we saw a working example of solar-powered water solutions through a local partner, Water Kiosk. The community benefits from this setup, but demand for solar energy remains high. It was expressed by the communities that reliable solutions and suppliers are needed to improve livelihoods further. The key to success lies in offering high-quality, durable systems with proper maintenance and payment plans that work for everyone.

With continued collaboration and community support, we can build a future where no one in Tanzania has to struggle for basic necessities of affordable energy and water. The time to act is now; together, we can build resilient, self-sustaining communities that thrive on reliable energy and financial empowerment.