Content creators in Tanzania have been urged to use their creativity and growing digital influence to educate the public about clean cooking energy while also tapping into new income opportunities emerging in the sector.
The call was made by the Director of Clean Cooking Energy, Nolasco Mlay, during a training session for content creators held in Dar es Salaam on March 25, 2026.
The training was organised by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports in collaboration with the Tanzania Culture and Arts Fund, with the Ministry of Energy among the key facilitators.
Mlay said the government has set an ambitious national target to ensure that by 2034 at least 80 percent of Tanzanians are using clean cooking energy, a shift expected to improve public health, protect the environment and reduce dependence on traditional fuels.
He noted that while various clean cooking solutions are already available and gradually reaching communities, wider public awareness remains a major challenge.
According to him, many people still have limited knowledge about the different forms of clean cooking energy, with some believing that it refers only to the use of gas.
Mlay clarified that clean cooking energy goes beyond liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and includes other options such as electricity, natural gas, biogas, improved and alternative charcoal, and other modern technologies that reduce health and environmental risks associated with traditional cooking methods.
“Solutions for clean cooking energy are already available and continue to reach citizens. What remains is ensuring that the right information reaches more people so they can adopt these solutions,” he said.
He stressed that content creators have an important role in bridging the information gap by producing creative and informative content that can easily reach the public through social media and other digital platforms.
According to Mlay, digital storytelling has the power to influence public behaviour and shape attitudes, especially among young people who rely heavily on online platforms for information.
He encouraged creators to develop engaging content such as educational videos, short films, comedy sketches and storytelling pieces that highlight the benefits of clean cooking energy and the risks of relying on traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal.
When produced professionally and creatively, such content can also attract partnerships and financial support from institutions, organisations and development partners working to promote clean energy.
“If you create high-quality and innovative content, it can be purchased and provide you with income while at the same time helping to spread important messages to society,” he said.
He noted that the government and development partners are increasingly looking for innovative ways to communicate development messages, creating new opportunities for creative professionals and digital entrepreneurs.
Mlay added that by producing educational content about clean cooking energy, creators will not only contribute to national development efforts but also build sustainable careers in the digital economy.
He further urged them to design messages that are simple, relatable and relevant to everyday life so that communities can easily understand the benefits of switching to cleaner energy sources.
According to him, when citizens receive accurate and accessible information, they are more likely to adopt positive practices that improve their wellbeing.
Increased adoption of clean cooking energy is expected to reduce indoor air pollution caused by smoke from traditional cooking fuels, which is linked to respiratory illnesses affecting many households.
The shift will also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the pressure on forests caused by the widespread use of firewood and charcoal.
Mlay therefore called on content creators to take advantage of the opportunity and actively participate in educating the public about clean cooking energy.
He said their work can play a crucial role in changing public perceptions, improving health outcomes and supporting the country’s transition towards safer and more sustainable cooking practices.
“When society receives the right information, it can make positive changes that improve lives and protect the health of Tanzanians,” he said.
