The government’s drive to ensure all markets in Tanzania use clean cooking energy has begun in earnest, following a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko.
The move supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of reducing reliance on unsafe fuels like firewood and charcoal.
The launch took place at Msalato Market in Dodoma on August 21, 2025, where Dr. Biteko distributed custom-designed stoves to 27 food vendors, including “Mama Lishe,” alongside large meat-grilling stoves.
The initiative targets markets, which serve thousands of people weekly, as part of the broader national strategy to expand the use of clean energy.
Dr. Biteko said the government aims for 80 percent of Tanzanians to use clean cooking energy by 2034.
“We started with institutions serving large populations, including prisons, schools, and universities. Now we are moving to markets to ensure that more citizens benefit from safe and efficient cooking methods,” he said.
Research conducted ahead of the rollout revealed that 89.5 percent of meat grillers had little or no knowledge of clean cooking energy, while 26.3 percent had tried it occasionally.
“This shows that significant work remains to increase awareness and adoption of clean cooking energy,” Dr. Biteko added.
The minister instructed the Dodoma City Director to establish permanent infrastructure for clean cooking stoves in markets and directed the Tanzania Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to set up a permanent alternative charcoal distribution center at Msalato Market to ensure a steady supply.
The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has been tasked with supplying large clean energy stoves for meat vendors, ensuring public health and safety.
Dr. Biteko praised REA and Ministry of Energy officials for acting swiftly and urged them to continue innovating while monitoring progress.
He encouraged vendors to act as ambassadors of clean cooking energy, demonstrating its benefits to the public.
“When people see the advantages of using clean energy from vendors, they are more likely to adopt it themselves,” he said.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule, noted that Msalato Market serves between 2,000 and 3,000 customers weekly.
Using clean cooking energy will reduce firewood and charcoal consumption, protecting the environment. She called for the campaign to extend to other markets nationwide.
The Ministry of Energy’s Secretary-General, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, said the adoption of clean cooking energy has risen from 6.9 percent in 2022 to 20.3 percent, moving the country closer to the President’s 2034 target.
REA Director General, Eng. Hassan Saidy, confirmed that 45–50 meat grillers at Msalato Market will receive large clean energy stoves, while all 27 food vendors have already been equipped with custom-designed stoves.
Mathias Raphael, chairman of the meat grillers, said the stoves are efficient, cook more meat, last longer, and produce no smoke.
The launch in Dodoma sets a model for markets across Tanzania, aligning with the government’s broader agenda of promoting safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly cooking energy.
