The Rural Energy Agency (REA) is set to distribute 10,650 clean cooking stoves in Pwani Region, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing safe and sustainable cooking energy for all Tanzanians.
Speaking at the Pwani Regional Commissioner’s office on August 18, 2025, REA’s Energy Technology Manager, Mr. Michael Kyessi, said the initiative will offer stoves at a subsidized cost.
Households will pay just 20% of the total price, or 11,200 shillings, while the government covers the remaining 80%, bringing the total project value to 596.4 million shillings.
“The subsidy ensures that every household can access clean cooking technology at an affordable price, reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal, which are harmful to health,” Mr. Kyessi explained.
The project supports Tanzania’s target under the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) framework to achieve 100% energy access by 2030.
It will deploy renewable energy solutions, including solar systems, particularly in island communities, through a Results-Based Financing (RBF) model backed by the World Bank.
In Pwani, the solar electrification project will cover 13 islands, with two service providers delivering 2,243 solar systems over two years.
The total cost for the region is 1.372 billion shillings, with the government providing 69% of the funds, and beneficiaries contributing the rest.
Pwani Regional Commissioner,Abubakar Kunenge, commended REA for promoting clean energy and reducing the risks associated with traditional cooking fuels.
The project is expected to run for 15 months, during which all 10,650 stoves will reach households, marking a major step in improving energy access, public health, and environmental sustainability in the region.