Stakeholders engaged in the development and production of clean cooking energy technologies have been urged to strengthen innovation efforts to reduce costs and expand access for more Tanzanians, as the government pushes to accelerate the transition away from unclean cooking fuels.
The call was made by the Director of Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, Mr Nolasco Mlay, during an inspection tour in Arusha to assess compliance with a directive issued by the Office of the Vice President requiring institutions serving more than 100 people to use clean cooking energy.
During the visit, Mr Mlay held discussions with developers and suppliers of clean cooking technologies, including the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO), Godil Metal Works and Gilsun Technology.
The engagements focused on innovation, product affordability and strategies to increase nationwide adoption.
Mr Mlay said SIDO has played a leading role in manufacturing clean cooking stoves for both institutions and households, while ensuring the products are accessible to the public.
“SIDO is producing a variety of clean cooking stoves for institutions and households. They are doing commendable work to ensure these products reach citizens. Other innovators should be encouraged to come up with affordable technologies that users can easily afford,” he said.
He noted that the clean cooking agenda is a key government priority under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, adding that the Ministry of Energy has a duty to ensure its effective implementation across the country.
Mr Mlay said the government aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, stressing that the target can only be achieved through strong collaboration among government institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders.
“It is the responsibility of every institution to ensure Tanzanians shift from unclean cooking fuels to clean cooking energy,” he said.
He also urged institutions that have already invested in clean cooking infrastructure to make full and consistent use of it, warning against reverting to unclean energy sources, which he said undermines government efforts to protect public health and the environment.
According to the ministry, sustained use of clean cooking technologies reduces health risks linked to indoor air pollution while supporting environmental conservation by cutting reliance on firewood and charcoal.
The Ministry of Energy said it will continue working closely with manufacturers, innovators and distributors to promote affordable clean cooking solutions, while strengthening enforcement of existing directives to speed up adoption in institutions and households.