The government’s new Clean Cooking Energy Communication Strategy is set to transform the daily lives of Tanzanians by promoting safer, cleaner, and more affordable cooking energy, reducing the health risks and environmental damage caused by firewood and charcoal.
Engineer Banezeth Kabunduguru, representing the Director of the Clean Cooking Energy Unit at the Ministry of Energy, described the strategy as a national roadmap to ensure that by 2034, households across Tanzania will have access to reliable and environmentally friendly cooking options.
“This strategy is about improving the well-being of citizens. By using clean energy sources such as LPG, electricity, biogas, and improved cookstoves, families will save money, reduce indoor pollution, and protect the environment,” Engineer Kabunduguru said during a training session for Desk Officers and Coordinators of Clean Cooking Energy in the Lake Zone, held in Mwanza on November 14, 2025.
He emphasized that Desk Officers are key to driving change in their communities, ensuring citizens receive timely and accurate information to make informed choices about their cooking energy.
Participants of the training, including Dotto Masanja from Karagwe and Christopher Kyamalesi from Shinyanga, praised the initiative, noting that the strategy provides a clear framework to educate communities and collaborate with village leaders and institutions.
“It gives us practical tools to help families transition from firewood and charcoal to cleaner, safer energy,” they said.
Aron Kalondwa, speaking on behalf of the Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary, urged Desk Officers to apply the knowledge creatively and reach every household.
“Clean cooking energy is not just a ministry agenda; it is a matter that directly affects public health, livelihoods, and sustainable development. The knowledge you share can change lives,” he said.
The training was organized by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with its agencies, including the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), and Rural Energy Agency (REA), which highlighted their roles in implementing the strategy on the ground.
Officers from the Offices of the Vice President for Union and Environment and the Prime Minister’s Office also contributed.
Representatives from Mwanza, Geita, Kigoma, Kagera, Shinyanga, Mara, and Simiyu regions participated in the training, which is part of a nationwide government initiative to accelerate awareness and adoption of clean cooking energy across Tanzania.
