Tanzania champions clean energy revolution amid global environmental concerns


By Alfred Zacharia

Tanzania has renewed its call for urgent and collective global action on environmental protection and clean energy adoption, using the platform of the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) to reaffirm its commitment to climate resilience.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), Engineer Cyprian Luhemeja, during the official commemoration of Environment Day at the annual exhibition, commonly known as Sabasaba.

Mr Luhemeja reminded participants that the environment is not limited to forests and rivers but encompasses the entire ecosystem that supports human life, from the air they breathe and water they drink, to the land they cultivate and the oceans that feed and sustain communities.

“Our planet is facing complex environmental challenges, from pollution and deforestation to climate change, biodiversity loss, and rising sea levels. These are not distant threats; they are affecting lives and economies now,” he said.

He stressed that tackling these challenges requires multisectoral collaboration — involving governments, private sector actors, civil society organisations and individual citizens.

Tanzania, he said, is leveraging its natural endowment, including 48.1 million hectares of forest cover, a 1,424km-long coastline, and a marine exclusive economic zone spanning 223,000 square kilometres — to drive both environmental sustainability and economic opportunities such as carbon trading.

Mr Luhemeja encouraged Tanzanians to protect existing forests, plant more trees, and transition to cleaner forms of cooking energy. 

He also urged a reduction in plastic usage through the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy.

“Plastic waste takes between 400 and 1,000 years to degrade, creating long-term health, environmental and economic risks. Its accumulation in rivers, oceans and drainage systems poses serious threats to marine life and human well-being,” he said.

He highlighted that the government has taken several steps to address environmental risks, including the implementation of key national policies such as: The National Environmental Policy (2021), National Climate Change Strategy (2021–2026), Nationally Determined Contributions (2021), National Disaster Risk Management Plan (2019), Integrated Environmental Management Plan (2022–2032) and Invasive Species Management Strategy (2019–2029).

The government has also banned plastic bags since 2019 and placed restrictions on the use of charcoal and firewood in institutions serving more than 100 people.

A major part of Tanzania’s clean energy ambition is reflected in the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034), launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan earlier this year. The strategy aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians access clean cooking energy by 2034.

“This strategy is not only about cleaner fuels — it’s about protecting health, promoting dignity, and securing sustainable development, especially for women who are most affected by indoor air pollution,” Mr Luhemeja said.

He called on private investors, development partners, civil society and ordinary citizens to take an active role in supporting the strategy’s implementation.


Private sector players, he said, are crucial in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and affordable solutions. Civil society and community leaders serve as the link between policy and practice, while development partners provide technical and financial support.

  Every Tanzanian, he added, must also take responsibility by making environmentally conscious choices in daily life.

Earlier, Ms Lulu Mkudde, Director of Trade Facilitation at TANTRADE, said this was the first time Environment Day had been officially marked as part of the DITF since the inception of the fair.

“TANTRADE will continue to support government efforts on environmental protection, particularly by raising public awareness about clean cooking energy and the economic benefits of tree-planting and carbon trade,” she said.

She noted that environmental conservation is now widely recognised as an economic opportunity that complements sustainable development goals.


The event featured various exhibitions, environmental education activities, and discussions on sustainable energy, climate finance, and green entrepreneurship — drawing attention from international exhibitors and development agencies.

Tanzania’s proactive stance on clean energy and environmental protection positions it as a key player in regional and global climate dialogue, especially in the lead-up to the COP30 climate summit later this year.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post

Advertisement

Put your ad code here