The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has partnered with Lake Gas Limited to distribute 13,020 six-kilogram cooking gas cylinders in Shinyanga Region, as part of a government initiative to promote clean cooking energy.
The cylinders will be sold at a 50% subsidized price, making them more affordable for households across the region.
The announcement was made on June 2, 2025, by REA Project Engineer Ms. Annet Ndyanabo, during a project briefing held at the Shinyanga Regional Commissioner’s Office.
She explained that the gas cylinder distribution is part of the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034), which aims to ensure that 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by the year 2034.
“This project is a critical step toward achieving the national target of increasing access to clean cooking solutions. By making gas cylinders affordable, we’re enabling more households to transition away from firewood and charcoal,” said Ms. Ndyanabo.
She added that beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to improve livelihoods especially for women by reducing the time and labor spent collecting firewood, thus allowing greater participation in economic activities.
“This initiative directly supports poverty reduction by empowering women and improving household health, while also preserving forests and reducing carbon emissions,” she noted.
Shinyanga Regional Administrative Secretary, CP Salum Hamduni, commended REA for the initiative and emphasized the importance of making it sustainable so more communities can benefit in the long term.
Lake Gas Limited, the implementing partner, will not only distribute the gas cylinders but also conduct community education campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits and safe use of clean cooking energy.
“We are fully committed to delivering this project according to the agreement and to supporting the region in its transition to clean energy,” said Mr. Ramadhan Siasa, Clean Energy Coordinator at Lake Gas Limited.
The project has a total budget of TZS 272,769,000 and will benefit four districts in the region: Shinyanga, Kishapu, Ushetu, and Msalala. Each district will receive 3,255 gas cylinders.