Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the use of clean cooking energy, describing it as a national priority aligned with the global sustainable development agenda.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Dr Khatibu Kazungu, said the government is taking concrete steps to implement the clean cooking agenda and ensure that Tanzanians across the country benefit from safer and more sustainable energy alternatives.
“Clean cooking energy is not only a global priority but also a critical part of our national development plan. The Ministry is fully committed to delivering this agenda under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” said Dr Kazungu during the official handover of two campaign vehicles from the European Union in Dodoma.
The vehicles, valued at €130,000, will be used to support a nationwide awareness campaign under the ‘Okoa Maisha na Mazingira’ initiative, which aims to educate communities on the importance and benefits of adopting clean cooking technologies.
The campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Dr Kazungu expressed appreciation to the European Union and UNCDF for their continued support through the CookFund, which is helping to improve public attitudes and shift household practices toward clean cooking energy.
“The CookFund has had a positive impact on many households by changing mindsets and improving access to sustainable cooking options. It is through these partnerships that we are able to reach more communities,” he added.
Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Tanzania,Christine Grau, said the EU remains committed to supporting Tanzania’s energy transition. She revealed that the EU has committed €19.4 million (approximately TZS 59 billion) to clean cooking energy projects in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Coast, Morogoro and Mwanza regions.
“The two vehicles we are handing over today are part of our broader investment in Tanzania’s clean cooking sector. We believe that through strong collaboration, we can reach even the most remote communities,” Ambassador Grau noted.
She emphasized the need to focus efforts on rural areas, where reliance on traditional cooking fuels remains high and poses significant health and environmental risks.
As part of its long-term plan, Tanzania is implementing the National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy alongside the National Energy Communication Strategy.
These frameworks are aimed at raising awareness and increasing adoption of clean cooking solutions, with a goal of reaching 80 percent of Tanzanians by 2034.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the use of clean cooking energy not only reduces indoor air pollution and deforestation but also improves the health and well-being of women and children, who are often most affected by the harmful effects of traditional cooking methods.
The handover of vehicles marks a significant milestone in the government’s nationwide education and outreach efforts.
The clean cooking campaign is expected to reach millions of Tanzanians with information, demonstrations, and access to affordable solutions.
As Tanzania pushes forward, the government, development partners, and local communities are being urged to work together to ensure no one is left behind in the country’s clean energy transition.