The Ministry of Energy has launched a nationwide capacity-building programme for Clean Cooking Energy Desk Officers from regional and council levels to strengthen the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Strategy and ensure a shared understanding among key actors across the country.
Opening the training session in Kibaha District, Coast Region, the representative of the Regional Administrative Secretary, Ms. Hadija Mruma, commended the Ministry for its continued commitment to advancing the clean cooking agenda in Tanzania.
She said the government’s proactive approach ranging from public awareness to the distribution of clean cooking equipment at community level demonstrates strong leadership in promoting energy transition at the household and institutional levels.
Ms. Mruma noted that the Coast Region has been making progress in the shift toward clean cooking solutions.
“Currently, about 76 percent of institutions serving more than 100 people in the region have transitioned to clean cooking energy sources,” she said.
“This is an encouraging step towards protecting the environment and improving public health.”
She also lauded the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for its partnership with regional authorities in scaling up clean cooking energy use, particularly through the provision of subsidised gas cylinders to local communities.
Representing the Ministry’s Directorate of Clean Cooking Energy, Mr. Ngereja Mgejwa said the training, which began in Kibaha, brings together participants from six regions Coast, Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Lindi, and Tanga.
He added that the initiative will be extended to all 26 regions and their respective councils, in line with the Ministry’s goal to build local expertise and coordination in clean cooking implementation.
“Clean cooking energy is not just a national priority it’s a global agenda,” Mr. Mgejwa said. “It has a direct impact on the environment, public health, and household economies. Our aim is to empower officers to translate this agenda into tangible action at the grassroots level.”
On her part, the Ministry’s Head of Communications, Ms. Neema Mbuja, said the training also integrates lessons from the National Clean Cooking Communication Strategy, which provides a coordinated framework for raising public awareness and changing perceptions around clean cooking technologies.
“To effectively reach citizens, Desk Officers need to understand communication tools and techniques that will help them craft messages suited to their communities,” Ms. Mbuja said.
“Through the Communication Strategy, we aim to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate misconceptions and promote a culture of clean cooking nationwide.”he added
The ongoing training is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote the adoption of clean cooking energy and reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal—both of which pose serious environmental and health risks.
By empowering regional and council officers, the Ministry of Energy is laying a strong foundation for achieving universal access to clean, affordable, and sustainable cooking energy in Tanzania.