Dr. Doto Biteko, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, has called on women to take an active role as ambassadors for clean cooking energy, recognizing their key position in ensuring that families and communities have access to safe and sustainable energy sources.
Speaking at a conference in Dar es Salaam on March 4, 2025, Dr. Biteko emphasized the importance of women in advancing the clean cooking energy agenda.
"Through discussions like this, we raise critical issues and work with all key stakeholders to achieve the goal of 80% of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy by 2034," he stated.
The Minister urged women to leverage the occasion of Women’s Day to champion this important cause, which has been prioritized by the President both within Tanzania and internationally.
"We need to ensure that women, who are often the primary users of energy in the home, are at the forefront of this change," Dr. Biteko added.
He also assured the public that the government will facilitate women’s participation in the clean energy sector by providing affordable loans through the clean cooking energy fund.
"This is an opportunity for women to actively engage in the clean energy business and contribute to our nation's progress," Dr. Biteko said.
In addition to this, Dr. Biteko pointed out that the government is committed to creating policies and laws that encourage investments in clean cooking energy, ensuring a conducive environment for investors to participate in the sector.
"By making policies investor-friendly, we will enable more participation in the clean cooking energy market, which will benefit the entire country," he emphasized.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Judith Kapinga, echoed Dr. Biteko’s sentiments, urging Tanzanians, especially women, to embrace the use of clean cooking energy.
"We all have a responsibility to promote clean cooking energy to ensure a healthier future for everyone," Kapinga said.
TANESCO’s CEO, Mr. Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, reinforced the government's focus on clean cooking energy, stating, "Electricity is the most affordable and accessible source of clean energy, and it has reached all corners of Tanzania. It is now our responsibility to ensure that every household can benefit from it."
Ambassador Zuhura Bundala, Vice Chairman of the TANESCO Board of Directors, also highlighted the role women play in utilizing clean cooking energy.
"Women are the main users of cooking energy, and clean cooking energy is both affordable and easy to use. This is a vital step towards improving the lives of women and families across the country," she stated.
This initiative aims to ensure that every Tanzanian, particularly women, has the opportunity to use clean energy for cooking, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.