The Tanzanian government has called on financial institutions to introduce products and services that will expand access to clean cooking energy, particularly for small-scale entrepreneurs in rural areas and innovators developing clean energy technologies.
Deputy Minister of Energy,Salome Makamba, made the appeal while representing the Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, during the launch of a clean cooking energy project at Bunge Girls’ Secondary School in Dodoma.
“Tanzania has made significant strides in promoting clean cooking energy, with usage rising from 6.9 percent in 2021 to 23.2 percent in 2025. Yet, about 77 percent of households still rely on unhealthy cooking fuels. I urge the private sector to join the government in making clean energy more accessible, especially in rural and remote areas,” Salome said.
She encouraged gas distributors to increase refilling stations and urged university students and innovators to develop technologies that support widespread adoption of clean cooking energy.
The project launched targets institutions serving over 100 people daily, ensuring meals are prepared in a clean, efficient, and cost-effective manner while protecting both health and the environment.
Solome highlighted that the initiative is part of national efforts, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to ensure 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.
Currently, 23.2 percent of citizens have adopted clean fuels, with 1,136 institutions already transitioning.
At Bunge Girls’ Secondary School, Salome also inaugurated Tanzania’s first Clean Cooking School Club, which will train students as Clean Cooking Champions.
Members will work with the Ministry of Energy and other stakeholders to educate communities and develop innovative clean cooking technologies.
The school’s headmaster, Richard Msana, said the switch from firewood to gas has drastically reduced costs.
From July 2020 to May 2022, the school spent about TZS 10.5 million every three months on firewood.
After moving to alternative charcoal, costs dropped to TZS 2.7 million. Currently, gas consumption averages TZS 1.3 million per month, offering a more sustainable and economical solution.
