Dodoma. The government has officially launched a programme to distribute electric cooking stoves at subsidised rates to employees of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), aiming to boost the use of clean cooking energy across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, unveiled the initiative today, August 14, 2025, in Dodoma, describing it as part of the national agenda to promote safe and environmentally friendly energy use.
Data from 2022 indicates that only 4.2 per cent of Tanzanians use electricity for cooking, a figure he said remains low relative to the country’s population.
Dr Biteko highlighted that misconceptions about the cost of electric cooking have hindered its adoption.
Citing Tanesco research, he noted that modern electric stoves consume less than one unit of electricity per meal, translating to a cost of under Sh352 per serving.
Under the programme, Tanesco, in partnership with Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) of the UK Government, has procured more than 11,000 stoves to be distributed to staff through a revolving fund mechanism.
Beneficiaries are expected to act as ambassadors, promoting clean cooking energy within their communities.
Dr Biteko added that the initiative will later extend to Tanesco customers, who will be able to acquire stoves through gradual payments added to their electricity bills under an “On-bill Financing” scheme, which is expected to accelerate nationwide access.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, said the distribution forms part of the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasising that the ministry and its agencies are committed to translating the agenda into action.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule, expressed gratitude to President Samia for strengthening electricity projects in the region, including rural electrification initiatives valued at Sh214.3 billion, while advancing access to clean cooking energy such as gas, solar, and wind.
Tanesco Chief Executive Officer, Lazaro Twange, said the programme aligns with the government’s target that by 2034, 80 per cent of Tanzanians will use clean cooking energy.
MECS representative Charles Barnabas noted that the stoves consume minimal electricity and are part of the nationwide “Cook Smart” campaign, designed to educate citizens on the benefits and affordability of clean energy cooking.
