To meet Tanzania's goal of ensuring 80% of its population uses clean cooking energy by 2030, radio stations must actively participate in fostering discussions and increasing public understanding of the benefits of clean energy.
On February 13, World Radio Day, Jaqueline Lawrance, Director of Highlands FM (92.5) in Mbeya, highlighted that media outlets, especially radio, are essential partners in achieving the government’s clean energy objectives.
"For example, one of the primary goals of the clean cooking energy strategy is to enhance public and institutional awareness about the importance of using clean cooking energy.
This will support the development, alignment, and updating of policies, laws, regulations, and guidelines that will facilitate the adoption of clean cooking energy," she explained.
She also pointed out that the 2025 World Radio Day theme, "Radio and Climate Change," resonates with the ongoing efforts of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been a leading advocate for climate change action not only in Tanzania but also across Africa and the world.
Jaqueline added that a major initiative championed by the President is the launch of a national ten-year clean cooking energy strategy, covering the period from 2024 to 2030.
The strategy aims to ensure that every Tanzanian citizen switches to clean cooking energy.
She shared that her radio station has launched special programs designed to educate the public on the dangers of using polluting cooking fuels.
Through these programs, she actively engages various environmental stakeholders.
Jaqueline, who was recently recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in Tanzania by Bytes Magazine of Serengeti for her innovative leadership and positive impact on society, emphasized that her station remains committed to producing creative programs that drive development and promote social change.