By Alfred Zacharia
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, officially launched Tanzania’s National Communication Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy in Dodoma.
Launched on June 2, 2025 in Dodoma, the strategy aims to raise public awareness and increase the use of clean cooking energy across the country, targeting 80 percent adoption by 2034.
Dr. Biteko stressed the need for action beyond planning.
“We must implement this strategy from the highest levels of government down to local communities,” he said.
He called on the private sector, development partners, and especially the media to lead the effort in promoting clean cooking energy.
Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan introduced the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy in May 2024, the use of clean cooking energy in Tanzania has grown from 6 percent to 16 percent.
Dr. Biteko praised her leadership, saying, “She didn’t just launch a strategy; she initiated a movement.”
Despite progress, many Tanzanians still use unsafe fuels like firewood and charcoal, which cause serious health risks, especially for women and children under five.
Globally, 2.1 billion people lack access to clean cooking energy, with nearly half residing in Africa.
“We are talking about silent killers in our kitchens,” Dr. Biteko warned. He urged every institution to take responsibility and run targeted education campaigns.
“Clear and consistent messages must reach everyone,” he said.
To ensure progress, Dr. Biteko directed the Energy Ministry to conduct quarterly evaluations.
“No more lip service. Real results,” he said.
Rosemary Senyamule, Dodoma’s Regional Commissioner, praised the government’s commitment.
“This is no longer theory. It is being done,” she said, noting that nine prisons and several schools in Dodoma now use clean cooking energy.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Judith Kapinga, highlighted the positive changes. “President Samia’s influence has helped the agenda gain acceptance at home and abroad,” she said.
The strategy, developed in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund and funded by the European Union, carries the national slogan: “Nishati Safi ya Kupikia, Okoa Maisha na Mazingira” (Clean Cooking Energy: Save Lives and the Environment).
Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry, explained the strategy’s goal is to change behavior through clear communication.
“This is about changing behavior and mindsets,” he said.
Lamine Diallo, Head of Resources at the European Union, praised the initiative.
“This shows real government commitment to improving people’s lives through clean cooking energy,” he said.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals, David Mathayo, called it a “game changer.” He congratulated the President and Dr. Biteko for their leadership.
Government spokesperson Rodney Thadeus pledged full media support. “We want this to be a decade-long success story, not just a headline,” he said.
Advisor to the President on Clean Cooking, Angellah Kairuki, highlighted communication’s role in changing habits.
“The strategy will help turn government plans into everyday reality for Tanzanian families,” she said.
While challenges like cost and habit remain, the launch signals a new seriousness. Clean cooking energy is now a national priority.
Dr. Biteko ended with a call to action: “Let us act today, in every home and village. If we do this, Tanzania will not only meet but exceed its clean energy goals.”
This strategy is a shared commitment to protect Tanzanians’ health and environment by making clean cooking energy the new norm.