Just weeks after Tanzania hosted the MISSION 300 Summit for African heads of state on energy, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to playing a significant role in advancing the campaign to provide electricity access to approximately 300 million Africans.
Efforts are underway to extend electricity services to the estimated 8.3 million Tanzanians who are still without access.
In the energy sector, the Tanzanian government has been vigorously promoting the use of clean cooking energy, aligning with global initiatives to preserve the environment and enhance public health. President Samia has gained widespread recognition across Africa and internationally as a leading advocate for clean energy adoption.
The continued reliance on polluting cooking fuels is a pressing issue that requires coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and the general public. The use of such fuels not only exacerbates environmental degradation but also poses serious health risks to communities.
In recent times, the government and private sector have intensified collaboration to support initiatives aimed at eliminating the use of polluting energy sources, particularly in rural areas.
A key milestone in this endeavor was highlighted during the Azimio la Kizimkazi festival in 2024, where Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the transition away from charcoal and firewood for cooking.
"All government institutions serving over 100 people across Tanzania must comply with the directive to phase out charcoal and firewood in cooking operations by December 31, 2024," Majaliwa stated during his address at the festival.
The event initially launched in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, and later held in Ruangwa, Lindi Region, served as a platform for the Prime Minister to emphasize the importance of adopting clean energy solutions.
While significant progress has been made in reducing dependency on these polluting fuels, continued collective efforts are necessary to align with global advancements in clean energy solutions.
Supporting this initiative, the non-governmental organization "Mama Ongea na Mwanao" has taken a leading role in collaborating with the government to accelerate the shift to clean cooking energy.
Led by its chairman, Steven Mengele (popularly known as Steve Nyerere), the organization launched the "Nitalipa Deni 2025" campaign, designed to support President Samia's initiative aimed at easing the burden of firewood collection for women. The campaign includes the distribution of gas cylinders to various community groups.
The initiative was officially launched yesterday, with 200 gas cylinders distributed to individuals from vulnerable groups.
"This is an ongoing program that will extend to various areas where access to clean cooking energy is still a challenge," said Steven Nyerere during the launch event.
The launch event was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders, including film and music artists, religious leaders, political party representatives, persons with disabilities, and ordinary citizens, all of whom received gas cylinders from the Mama Ongea na Mwanao organization.
This initiative represents a crucial step forward in Tanzania’s journey toward eliminating polluting energy sources and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Civil society organizations are encouraged to follow the example set by Mama Ongea na Mwanao in championing the fight against polluting energy. "Every Tanzanian has a role to play in fostering initiatives that drive positive and lasting change in the country," emphasized Nyerere.