Tanzania’s push for clean cooking energy is beginning to deliver visible, community-level results, with traders at the Feri Fish Market in Dar es Salaam emerging as a strong example of the transition from charcoal and firewood to cleaner alternatives.
Speaking on November 24, 2025, during a live Jambo Tanzania broadcast from the market, the Acting Director for Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Ngereja Mgejwa, said the National Clean Cooking Strategy is driving positive change in public health, environmental conservation, and economic activity.
According to him, traders have increasingly adopted clean energy particularly gas leading to reduced exposure to harmful smoke, lower pressure on forest resources, and wider opportunities for investment in modern cooking technologies.
“As we implement the National Clean Cooking Strategy, we are also fulfilling international commitments to combat climate change by lowering carbon emissions,” Mr. Mgejwa said.
“Firewood and charcoal have long been major sources of environmental and health challenges. Our target is for 80 percent of Tanzanians to use clean cooking solutions by 2034.”he added
He emphasised that ongoing public education campaigns have helped communities appreciate the safety and long-term savings associated with cleaner fuels.
He also commended Feri Fish Market traders for embracing gas as a practical and reliable option.
Senior Research Engineer at TANESCO, Ms. Catherine Mwegoha, noted that clean cooking efforts align with the Government’s broader investment in expanding electricity access.
She said the utility continues to strengthen power generation and distribution networks nationwide under the 2021/22–2025/26 National Development Plan, with the goal of ensuring 85 percent of Tanzanians have electricity.
“TANESCO is educating the public on electric cooking because it is safe, efficient, and cost-effective,” Ms. Mwegoha said.
She pointed to pressure cookers and induction cookers as key technologies that use minimal electricity while cooking common foods such as ugali, beans, makande, and plantains.
Clean Cooking Energy Engineer Mr. Benezeth Kabunduguru added that the Clean Cooking Communication Strategy is an important tool for providing accurate, accessible information to citizens.
Through radio, television, social media, and public exhibitions, the campaign helps people understand the benefits and practicality of clean cooking solutions.
He said the communication drive builds on the National Clean Cooking Strategy itself and aims to ensure that Tanzanians are empowered to make informed decisions that support their well-being and the environment.
With the progress seen at the Feri Fish Market, officials say the clean cooking agenda is gaining momentum showing how information, community engagement, and modern technology can work together to shape a healthier and more sustainable future.