The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has stated that during the four years of leadership under the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the energy sector has made significant progress, leading to surplus electricity production beyond the country's demand.
Dr. Biteko made these remarks on March 23, 2025, in Arusha while presenting statistics on the increasing electricity demand in the country at the National Parents' Council Meeting.
He emphasized that President Samia has done an outstanding job in the energy sector. "Recently, Tanzanian representatives visited Barbados to showcase our country's achievements in this sector.
President Samia has made significant efforts in energy development, and we are proud to share our success on the global stage," he said.
He further explained that for any country's economy to grow, a robust energy sector is essential. "No country can achieve sustainable economic growth without a strong energy sector.
For industries to thrive, they require 40% of the electricity supply, while the mining sector demands 30%," he noted.
Dr. Biteko highlighted that between 2017 and 2018, peak electricity demand in the country was 1,045 MW. This increased to 1,116 MW between 2018 and 2019, and to 1,340.7 MW between 2021 and 2022.
"Between 2022 and 2023, peak demand rose to 1,470 MW, and from 2024 to the present, in 2025, it has reached 1,908 MW—an increase of 262 MW. Such an increase in demand cannot happen without significant investment in the energy sector," he added.
Furthermore, Dr. Biteko announced that on March 22, 2025, the ninth turbine of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project was handed over and integrated into the national grid.
"With this additional power generation capacity, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant alone can meet the country's electricity needs, even as the generation period for Songas power plants comes to an end," he stated.
He praised the achievements of the Sixth-Phase Government led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, stating that the energy sector has made remarkable strides.
"President Samia has performed wonders in this sector. She has successfully attracted numerous investors to Tanzania, strengthening our energy infrastructure and ensuring sustainable power supply," he said.
Additionally, he stressed that the Parents' Association has a responsibility to guide and create a conducive environment for raising children, highlighting that clean energy is a crucial aspect.
"The Ministry of Energy is committed to collaborating with various stakeholders, including the association, in its campaigns to educate the public on the importance of clean and affordable energy," he explained.
Dr. Biteko also urged Tanzanians to adopt efficient electricity usage habits, discouraging wasteful practices such as leaving lights on unnecessarily.
"A study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that 30% of electricity is wasted due to inefficient practices. If we change our habits, we can reduce waste and lower electricity costs for households and industries," he advised.
Meanwhile, various institutions, including the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), presented different topics during the seminar.
Additionally, the Ministry of Energy, through its agencies TPDC, REA, and TANESCO, conducted a seminar for the meeting's participants on the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy 2024–2034 and the proper use of clean electricity.
Acting Director of the Clean Cooking Energy Unit at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Ngeleja Mugejwa, highlighted the benefits of clean cooking energy, particularly for young girls.
"Through clean cooking energy, young girls can dedicate more time to their studies instead of spending long hours preparing and cooking food," he noted.
Dr. Biteko concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing the energy sector. "Under the leadership of President Samia, Tanzania is on the right path toward energy security and economic transformation. We will continue to invest in this sector to ensure sustainable development and prosperity for all," he said.
