Tanzania’s National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy is transforming the country’s energy landscape by promoting safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective cooking solutions.
The strategy, which emphasizes public awareness, behavior change, and multi-sector collaboration, is helping Tanzanians shift away from traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood, while creating economic and environmental benefits.
Speaking on November 17, 2025, during the Good Morning Wasafi FM programme, Acting Head of the Clean Cooking Energy Unit at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Mgejwa Ngereja, said the government aims to have 80 percent of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy by 2034.
“This national strategy not only addresses household health risks caused by smoke but also contributes to international climate commitments by reducing carbon emissions,” Mr. Ngereja said.
He added that the strategy engages both public and private sectors to expand access to a variety of clean cooking technologies, including electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), improved charcoal stoves, advanced cookstoves, biogas, bioethanol, solar cookers, and energy derived from crop residues such as sugarcane and grains.
Acting Head of Government Communication, Ms. Neema Mbuja, emphasized that effective communication is crucial for the strategy’s success.
“This strategy provides Tanzanians with accurate information on the benefits and use of clean cooking through radio, television, social media, and public exhibitions,” Ms. Mbuja said.
She added that community leaders, journalists, and online influencers have received specialized training to champion clean cooking, and she commended media houses for their active role in raising awareness among the public.
From the energy supply perspective, Senior Research Engineer at TANESCO, Ms. Catherine Mwegoha, highlighted that clean cooking is critical for ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
“The government, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, continues to educate citizens on the health, environmental, and economic benefits of clean cooking.
We are also working with the private sector to ensure that affordable and efficient cooking appliances reach communities, especially in rural areas,” Ms. Mwegoha said.
She noted that TANESCO has introduced a system allowing citizens to pay for electric cooking appliances in monthly installments through their electricity bills. To date, 480 households have benefited from this initiative.
The strategy aims to reduce respiratory illnesses caused by household smoke, protect forests from deforestation, and stimulate economic opportunities through investment in clean cooking technologies.
With government leadership, media collaboration, and private-sector participation, Tanzania is steadily advancing toward a future where safe, clean, and affordable cooking energy is accessible to all citizens.