Beneficiaries of the CookFund program, implemented under the Integrated Approach to Sustainable Clean Cooking Solution by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in collaboration with the European Union (EU), have been encouraged to invest in the production and distribution of small gas cylinders to make clean cooking energy more affordable for low-income families.
During his visit to Mwanza, the Director for Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Nolasco Mlay, urged investors and entrepreneurs supported by CookFund to focus on manufacturing and distributing cylinders weighing three kilograms or less.
He said smaller cylinders could help more people, particularly those with limited income, to shift from using charcoal and firewood to clean cooking energy.
Mlay’s visit was part of an inspection tour to assess ongoing projects funded by CookFund, which aims to promote clean and sustainable cooking solutions across Tanzania.
While in Mwanza, he met with gas traders who have received financial and technical support through the program to expand their businesses and bring gas services closer to local communities.
He praised the beneficiaries for ensuring that gas cylinders are available and affordable, particularly those selling at subsidized prices, and emphasized that investment in smaller cylinders would further increase accessibility.
“We want CookFund beneficiaries to focus on technologies that make a real difference in people’s lives. Small gas cylinders are a practical way to enable more households to embrace gas instead of charcoal or firewood,” he said.
Mlay also called on energy stakeholders to introduce smart meter technology in areas where it is still lacking. The use of smart meters, he explained, would allow customers to purchase gas in small quantities, similar to the prepaid electricity system (LUKU), making clean energy more convenient and accessible.
“We must ensure clean cooking energy is affordable and easy to access. With this technology, families will be able to buy gas digitally, which will help overcome the challenges of high refilling costs and long distances to refilling stations,” he added.
He further encouraged Tanzanians to continue embracing clean cooking solutions such as gas, electricity, alternative charcoal, and biogas, noting that such energy sources not only protect the environment but also improve public health.
Local gas dealers supported by CookFund reported that the response from residents has been positive, with many people now shifting to the use of gas. Some customers, they noted, are acquiring cylinders through flexible payment arrangements or credit facilities, helping more households move away from traditional and polluting cooking methods toward cleaner and safer alternatives.