Dar es Salaam—The Tanzanian government has officially launched a nationwide campaign to promote the adoption of clean cooking energy, with a focus on electricity, under the initiative titled “PIKA SMART” (Smart Cooking).
The campaign was inaugurated today by Engineer Innocent Luoga, Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, at an event in Dar es Salaam.
Organised by the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) and funded by UK Aid, the campaign is a collaborative effort between the Tanzanian government and international partners to accelerate the transition towards clean, sustainable energy solutions for cooking.
Engineer Luoga outlined the campaign as a key government strategy aimed at encouraging Tanzanians to switch to clean cooking technologies. This initiative aligns with national targets to have 80% of the population using clean cooking energy by 2034.
Addressing concerns over safety and cost, Engineer Luoga reassured the public that electric cooking is both safe and affordable.
He highlighted Tanzania’s substantial electricity resources, which have expanded following the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam.
This project has increased the country’s electricity capacity to approximately 4,031 megawatts and extended power access to all 12,318 villages nationwide.
“With reliable electricity now available to every village, there is a strong foundation for citizens to adopt clean electric cooking methods,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of TANESCO’s Managing Director, Engineer Henryfried Byabato, Director of Planning and Investment at TANESCO, confirmed the utility company’s commitment to promoting the use of electric cooking appliances.
He noted that technological advancements have led to highly efficient electric cookstoves that consume less energy while providing effective cooking solutions.
The launch of the PIKA SMART campaign coincides with the Ministry of Energy’s introduction of a National Communication Strategy.
This framework aims to guide stakeholders in amplifying public awareness and uptake of clean cooking technologies.
The campaign is also seen as a direct response to the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has championed clean energy initiatives to transition Tanzanians away from polluting energy sources towards sustainable alternatives.