Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, has commended the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for successfully electrifying all 12,318 villages in Tanzania and for its strong performance in implementing the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.
Dr. Biteko made the remarks on August 22, 2025, during a ceremony in Dodoma where clean cooking stoves were handed over to REA staff.
“REA has done remarkable work. We commend you for effectively carrying forward President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Clean Cooking Energy agenda, completing the electrification of all 12,318 villages, and now extending electricity to sub-villages,” Dr. Biteko said.
He noted that all projects managed by REA are completed on schedule and to high standards, adding that donors have consistently praised the agency for its professionalism and efficiency.
REA Board Chairman, retired Major General Jacob Kingu, highlighted that the agency continues to implement the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy in practical ways.
He encouraged other government institutions to provide clean cooking stoves to their employees as a way of promoting safe and efficient energy use.
“This initiative will be even more effective if all institutions provide these stoves to their staff. It will encourage other ministries and agencies to follow suit and help achieve the President’s goal of having 80 percent of Tanzanians using clean energy by 2034,” Ambassador Kingu said.
REA Director General, Engineer Hassan Saidy, presented a report on ongoing clean energy projects. He mentioned key initiatives, including the installation of natural gas systems in Lindi and Pwani regions, which have so far reached 460 of the targeted 980 households, installations in all 129 prisons, and systems set up in 22 National Service (JKT) camps.
Dr. Biteko’s praise underscores REA’s role as a model agency, demonstrating how strategic planning and consistent execution can accelerate Tanzania’s energy goals.