The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) has launched the PURE Growth Fund Tanzania, a pioneering initiative offering €2.5 million in incentive capital to promote the integration of renewable energy in the country’s agri-food sector. This initiative, backed by the Government of Austria, targets the nexus of agriculture and energy, two sectors vital to Tanzania’s economy and livelihoods.
The Fund is structured to promote the productive use of renewable energy (PURE), focusing on transforming agriculture, enhancing rural access to clean energy, and backing Tanzania’s goal of sourcing 75% of its renewable energy by 2030. The focus lies in deploying technologies such as solar-powered irrigation, off-grid cold storage, and energy-efficient processing, which aid in reducing post-harvest losses, boosting productivity, and fortifying rural resilience to climate and economic challenges. The call for proposals is now open for Tanzanian clean energy SMEs and agribusinesses, accepting applications until August 2025. It provides investments from €250,000 to €1 million, along with technical assistance and policy engagement. This support aims to empower businesses to expand, boost revenue, and deliver clean energy solutions to underserved communities.
Government officials and international partners have endorsed the PURE Growth Fund as a milestone in empowering local communities and advancing a just energy transition. The initiative marks the beginning of a broader multi-country program across the Global South (which includes nations in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania). By promoting scalable and sustainable energy solutions within agri-food value chains, the PURE Growth Fund aims to drive inclusive green growth. This approach prioritizes communities, climate action, and innovation as central elements of Tanzania’s economic transformation.
