The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has started distributing 6,692 improved cookstoves in Singida Region, marking a significant step in the government’s drive to promote clean cooking energy and protect the environment.
The initiative is part of the national clean cooking strategy that aims to ensure more than 80 percent of Tanzanians adopt safe, affordable and environmentally friendly cooking energy by 2034.
Speaking during the official launch in Ilongero Ward, Singida District, on February 24, 2026, REA Singida Regional Projects Engineer Nathan Msanze said the distribution has begun simultaneously across all districts and councils in the region.
He said the cookstoves will be sold to citizens at highly subsidised prices in Ikungi, Iramba, Itigi, Manyoni, Mkalama and Singida councils.
Ikungi and Iramba will each receive 1,116 cookstoves, while Itigi, Manyoni, Mkalama and Singida councils will each receive 1,115 units, bringing the total to 6,692.
Msanze explained that the improved cookstoves are designed to consume less firewood and charcoal, thereby reducing deforestation and limiting harmful smoke that affects users’ health, particularly women and children.
He added that the project aligns with REA’s broader plan to facilitate the sale of 200,000 improved cookstoves nationwide at subsidised prices.
According to him, contracts for the project were signed on May 9, 2025, with implementation scheduled to be completed within 15 months.
The total cost of the project in Singida Region is TZS 340.29 million, with REA providing a subsidy of TZS 289.23 million, equivalent to 85 percent of the total cost. Citizens will contribute TZS 51.06 million, representing 15 percent.
The service provider for the project is Tango Energy Limited. Each improved cookstove costs TZS 50,847.46 on the market, but due to the government subsidy, beneficiaries will purchase each unit at only TZS 7,600.
Residents of Ilongero Ward, led by their councillor Issa Mwiru, welcomed the initiative and praised the government for easing access to clean cooking solutions.
They jointly applauded President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for prioritising affordable clean energy, noting that the initiative will improve household health, conserve the environment and reduce daily cooking costs.
The Singida rollout is expected to contribute significantly to national efforts to promote sustainable energy use while improving the quality of life for citizens, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.