To start an electrical installation business in Tanzania you need an electrical installation licence from EWURA in the right class for the work you plan to do, plus normal business registration with BRELA, a TIN and a business licence. Under the Electricity (Electrical Installation Services) Rules of 2022, EWURA licenses installers in classes by voltage and type of work, from Class D for small installations up to 230 volts, through Class C (up to 1,000 volts) and Class B (up to 33,000 volts), plus specialised classes. Most new businesses start with house wiring, shops and small offices, then grow into commercial buildings, industrial work and solar.
Every building we put up needs a licensed electrician, and good ones are always booked. The demand is there. What separates a business from a busy individual is the licence, the paperwork and the ability to run several jobs at once.
Which EWURA licence class do you need?
| Class | Typical scope | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Class W | Work under supervision of a licensed installer | Apprentices and assistants |
| Class D | Installations up to 230 V (single phase) | Small homes, shops |
| Class C | Installations up to 1,000 V | Houses, offices, commercial buildings |
| Class B | Installations up to 33,000 V | Larger commercial and industrial work |
| Class A | The highest class | Major installations |
| Special classes (S) | Specialised work | Specific systems |
Based on EWURA's 2022 installation rules. Each class has minimum qualifications and experience. Check the current requirements and fees with EWURA before you apply.
Qualifications typically include a trade test or NTA certificate, a diploma or a degree in electrical engineering, plus practical experience, with higher classes needing more. Holders of the general classes cannot do specialised work without the matching special licence.
Why the licence matters
TANESCO will not connect a building without a test report and certificate from a licensed installer. Banks, insurers and companies ask for licence numbers. And unlicensed work is a fire risk that can be traced back to you. Clients are also more aware now; EWURA regularly reminds the public to hire licensed installers only.
Our guide on getting a TANESCO connection for a new house shows where the installer's certificate fits in.
What tools do you need?
Rough 2026 examples.
| Item | Example cost (TSh) |
|---|---|
| Multimeter and clamp meter | 200,000 to 600,000 |
| Insulation resistance tester | 400,000 to 1,500,000 |
| Earth resistance tester | 500,000 to 2,000,000 |
| Drills, chasing tools, grinders | 600,000 to 1,500,000 |
| Hand tools: pliers, strippers, crimpers, screwdrivers | 200,000 to 500,000 |
| Ladders and safety gear (insulated gloves, boots) | 300,000 to 800,000 |
| Transport (motorbike or pickup) | Varies |
The testers are what make you a professional rather than a wireman. Testing insulation and earth resistance before handover protects the client and backs your certificate.
How do you price electrical work?
Electricians in Tanzania commonly price in one of these ways:
- Per point: a rate for each socket, switch and light point, including conduit and wiring, with the distribution board and main cable priced separately.
- Labour only: the client buys materials and you charge for installation.
- Lump sum from a BOQ: for commercial projects, priced from the electrical drawings.
Whichever you use, list what is included: conduit type, cable sizes, board, breakers, earthing, testing and certificate. Clients comparing quotes often do not realise one quote uses thinner cables or no earth rod. Explain why yours costs what it does.
What services can you add?
- Earthing and lightning protection. Many buildings in Tanzania lack proper earthing. See lightning protection and earthing.
- Solar PV and backup systems. Demand keeps growing for solar and inverters. Our post on solar power for a new house covers the basics. Check whether you need a special class for solar work.
- Maintenance contracts for offices, hotels, schools and apartment blocks.
- Inspections and rewiring of older buildings, especially before sale or renovation.
- Low-current systems: data cabling, CCTV, alarms and access control.
How do you find clients?
- Building contractors. Every site needs an electrician at first fix and again at second fix. Reliable electricians who turn up on the day get repeat work.
- Architects and engineers. They specify and inspect electrical work.
- Hardware and electrical shops. Customers buying cable and sockets often ask who can install them.
- Property managers and landlords. Rental buildings need constant maintenance.
- Your work itself. A neat board with labelled circuits sells you to the next client who opens it.
Put your EWURA licence number on your quotes, invoices, vehicle and social media. It is your strongest selling point. The ideas in how to market a construction company work for trades too.
Working with builders: first fix and second fix
On a new building, electrical work happens in stages:
- Slab and walls: conduits and boxes are placed before concrete is poured and before plastering.
- First fix: cables pulled through conduits, board position fixed.
- Second fix: after painting, sockets, switches, lights and the board are fitted.
- Testing and certification before connection.
Missing the conduit stage means cutting finished walls later, which costs the client money and damages your name with the contractor.
Growing into a company
As work grows, you will need supervisors with their own licences, Class W assistants, a vehicle, stock management and proper books. Larger commercial and public projects may also require CRB registration as an electrical specialist contractor; see CRB contractor classes. Train assistants through VETA courses so they can earn their own licences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wire a house without an EWURA licence?
No. Electrical installation work must be done by a licensed installer, and TANESCO needs a licensed installer's certificate to connect a building.
Which EWURA licence should a beginner get?
Many start with Class D for small installations or Class C if they have the qualifications, and work as Class W under a licensed installer while gaining experience.
How long does an EWURA licence last?
Licences are valid for a set period and must be renewed. Check the current validity and renewal fees with EWURA.
Is solar a good business to add?
Yes, demand is strong. Make sure you have the right licence class and training for solar PV work.
Building soon?
Vika Construction works with licensed electrical installers on every project. See our services or contact us.
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