Biteko urges Tanzanians to adopt new electric stoves for safe cooking

DODOMA: THE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has assured Tanzanians that there is no reason to fear using electricity for cooking, as the energy supply is sufficient, safe, and modern appliances now exist that use minimal electricity to cook food efficiently.

Speaking today, Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Dodoma during the launch of a subsidized electric stove distribution program for employees of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), Dr. Biteko said only 4.2 percent of Tanzanians currently use electricity for cooking a small proportion compared to the overall number of electricity users in the country.

“It is an undeniable fact that, due to our history and habits, people believe that cooking with electricity is very expensive, which has led to hesitation in using this energy,” Dr. Biteko said.

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He noted that research shows modern smart electric stoves can use less than one unit of electricity, equivalent to 352/- to prepare a single meal, whereas charcoal can cost between 2,000/- and 3,000 for the same meal.

The event was also attended by Tanesco leaders and the Ministry of Energy’s management.

Dr. Biteko’s remarks come as the Government continues to implement a 10-year strategy to promote the use of clean cooking energy, aiming to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034. The strategy was launched in May 2024 by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.