Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has announced that Tanzania is set to generate electricity from nuclear power, which will soon be integrated into the National Grid.
This move aims to meet the rising demand for electricity driven by the country’s growing industrial sector.
Speaking on June 30, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, at a continental conference on nuclear energy, Dr. Biteko said the government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has directed the Ministry of Energy to ensure the rapid development of nuclear power.
“Nuclear energy offers an affordable and environmentally friendly source of power compared to other energy sources,” said Dr. Biteko. He reassured the public that nuclear energy is safe, addressing any concerns related to its use.
The government has been working to prepare stakeholders through workshops and plans to establish a dedicated institution to coordinate and supervise nuclear energy activities in Tanzania.
“We will create a strong policy and regulatory framework to support the safe production and use of nuclear energy,” Dr. Biteko added.
The government is also focused on training skilled professionals in nuclear technology to fully utilize this resource in electricity generation, as well as other sectors such as health and agriculture.
Tanzania already has key policy documents addressing nuclear energy, including the National Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Strategy, and Mineral Development Policy.
The government plans to update the 2013 Nuclear Technology Policy to reflect recent developments and comply with international standards.
At the conference, Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Edward Ngirente, highlighted the country’s commitment to nuclear power as part of its Vision 2050 plan to become a high-income nation.
He described nuclear power as safe, reliable, and independent of weather conditions.
Other African leaders, including Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, expressed similar enthusiasm for nuclear energy, emphasizing its role as a clean power source with great potential for Africa’s development.
Rwanda is in the final stages of developing its own nuclear power plants, according to Dr. Lassina Zerbo, Chairperson of Rwanda’s Atomic Energy Board. He noted that success requires strong leadership and public trust.
The conference, held from June 30 to July 1, 2025, brought together energy experts and policymakers from Africa and beyond to promote the use of modern nuclear technologies as a key driver of energy transformation on the continent.
