The government has injected TZS 218 million into a clean cooking initiative in Simiyu Region, with more than 6,000 subsidised improved cookstoves now being distributed to households in five districts.
The Rural Energy Agency (REA), under the Ministry of Energy, has commenced the rollout of 6,236 improved cookstoves as part of the national campaign to ensure Tanzanians access clean, safe and affordable cooking energy.
The stoves are being distributed by Geita Millenium Star Ltd, with each district allocated 1,247 units.
The initiative is aligned with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s clean energy agenda, which seeks to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal while protecting the environment and improving public health, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking in Busega District after receiving the stoves, Busega District Commissioner Faiza Salim commended the Ministry of Energy and REA for extending the subsidised programme to Simiyu.
She urged implementing teams to prioritise remote wards that were not reached during the previous LPG cylinder distribution exercise.
She said deforestation remains a pressing challenge in rural areas where alternative cooking energy sources are limited, stressing that accelerating distribution in villages would help curb environmental degradation.
REA Project Engineer Geofrey Gedo said the government has covered 85 per cent of the cost of each stove to make them affordable to low-income households.
While the actual market price stands at TZS 35,000, beneficiaries are paying only TZS 5,250, with the government contributing TZS 29,750 per unit.
He said the subsidy ensures that clean cooking solutions are within reach for ordinary Tanzanians, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to social and economic empowerment.
Distribution Manager at Geita Millenium Star Ltd, Hamis Kashilila, said the stoves have been tested and certified by the Tanzania Industrial Laboratory and Development Organisation (TIRDO), guaranteeing their safety and quality.
He added that the stoves are engineered to significantly reduce carbon emissions and indoor air pollution, which are linked to respiratory illnesses.
In addition, they are highly fuel-efficient: a sack of charcoal that would normally last one month when used on a traditional stove can now last up to two months with the improved model.
Residents in Lamadi Ward who have begun using the stoves welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and cost-saving.
Yohana Renatus, one of the beneficiaries, said he purchased the stove at the subsidised price of TZS 5,250 and found it highly efficient. He noted that demand remains high in the area and appealed for additional supplies.
Another resident, Bitishiba Makulu, thanked President Samia for the subsidy, saying the reduced price makes the technology affordable for many families who previously could not afford improved cooking solutions.
The Simiyu rollout forms part of the government’s nationwide clean cooking strategy aimed at reducing pressure on forest resources, cutting household fuel costs and improving health outcomes across the country.
