Tanzanian families are set to benefit from a new National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy that promises safer homes, healthier lives, and economic opportunities.
The strategy, guided by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to reduce harmful smoke from firewood and charcoal while promoting affordable and sustainable energy alternatives.
Acting Director of Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Mgejwa Ngereja, said the government aims for 80 percent of Tanzanians to use clean cooking energy by 2034.
“This strategy ensures that households have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy for cooking,” he explained.
The plan encourages the use of gas, electricity, biogas, and improved cookstoves to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal.
This protects people’s health, prevents forest destruction, and saves money for families.
Ms. Neema Mbuja, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy, said the government is running a nationwide awareness campaign.
“Through radio, TV, social media, and community leaders, we are showing Tanzanians how clean cooking can save lives, protect the environment, and reduce household costs. Our slogan, ‘Clean Cooking Energy Saves Lives and the Environment,’ emphasizes these benefits,” she said.
Engineer Emmanuel Gilbert, Acting Director of Oil and Gas Business at TPDC, highlighted efforts to expand natural gas access.
“More than 3,000 homes in Dar es Salaam, Lindi, and Mtwara are already connected to gas, with Morogoro and Dodoma to follow. We also teach families how to cook safely and save money while switching from firewood and charcoal,” he added.
With the new strategy, Tanzanian households can cook in safer, cleaner homes, save money, protect the environment, and support a growing economy all while reducing harmful smoke that threatens health and forests.