Tanzania, Sept. 13 -- Dodoma. Eight Tanzanian entrepreneurs have secured loans worth a combined Sh1.2 billion to build small petrol and diesel stations in underserved rural areas under a Rural Energy Agency (REA) financing programme.

The first phase was launched in July 2026 through agreements between REA, Azania Bank and the eight beneficiaries.

REA Engineer Deusdedit Malulu said the scheme provides loans ranging from Sh75 million to Sh133 million to individuals, registered companies and eligible rural entrepreneur groups.

The loans carry an annual interest rate of five percent, with a grace period of up to six months and repayment of up to seven years.

"This is the first phase," Mr Malulu told The Citizen, adding that lessons from t...