Tanzania has been named the leading country in Southern Africa in advancing the use of clean cooking energy, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan commended as Africa’s top champion for clean energy transition at the household level.
This recognition was made during a high-level SADC ministerial meeting held on July 3, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, where ministers and technical experts from eight member states convened to deliberate on regional strategies for improving energy and water access.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, represented Tanzania at the forum and underscored the government’s commitment to implementing the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy 2024–2034.
She said that the government has continued to raise awareness, mobilise communities, and promote innovation in the adoption of clean cooking solutions across the country.
“Tanzania is not only implementing national-level policies but is also taking a regional leadership role in pushing forward the clean cooking energy agenda. This is not just about access it’s about sustainability, health, and economic transformation,” said Kapinga.
She urged SADC to develop actionable strategies to fast-track clean energy adoption across member countries, highlighting the need for region-wide innovation and collaboration.
Kapinga also encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as eco-friendly briquettes as viable and scalable solutions for households.
“We need to invest more in public education and awareness campaigns, especially in rural communities. Clean cooking energy should not be a luxury but a basic right linked directly to our broader goals of sustainable development and improved public health,” she stressed.
Tanzania was also applauded for successfully hosting the Mission 300 (M300) summit in Dar es Salaam, a continental gathering that brought together African Heads of State and key stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward universal energy access.
Malawi’s Minister for Energy, Ibrahim Matola, praised President Samia for her strong leadership and consistent advocacy on clean cooking energy.
He suggested that Tanzania serve as SADC’s model and ambassador in promoting clean energy solutions throughout the region.
“This kind of commitment from Tanzania and President Samia must be recognised and emulated. It is a powerful example of what focused leadership can achieve in addressing energy poverty and environmental challenges,” said Matola.
Tanzania’s delegation to the SADC meeting included Ambassador to Zimbabwe Suzan Kaganda and senior energy sector officials. Among them were Assistant Commissioner for Electricity Development Eng. Styden Rwebangila, Rural Energy Agency (REA) Director General Eng. Hassan Saidy, Director of Planning and Investment at TPDC Derick Moshi, TANESCO Director of Power System Control Eng. Deogratius Mariwa, and EWURA Director of Economic Regulation Msafiri Mtepa. Experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation also attended.
The recognition positions Tanzania as a regional leader in energy transformation and reinforces its role in shaping Africa’s path toward cleaner, more inclusive energy systems.