The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has officially launched the distribution of 8,424 improved cooking stoves in Kibondo District, Kigoma, marking a significant step towards Tanzania’s national goal of ensuring that over 80% of households use safe and environmentally friendly cooking energy by 2034.
Speaking during the handover, Engineer Ramadhan Mganga said the initiative is part of REA’s strategic plan to promote clean cooking solutions across the country.
“The improved stoves use minimal firewood and charcoal, reducing both fuel consumption and smoke emissions, which are common in traditional cooking methods,” he explained.
The agency plans to distribute a total of 200,000 highly efficient stoves nationwide under this initiative, making clean cooking energy accessible and affordable.
Engineer Mganga noted that the project for Kigoma region will cost TZS 429,539,760, with the government providing a subsidy of TZS 365,108,796.
The stoves, supplied by Envotec Services, will be sold to residents at a subsidized rate of TZS 7,649 per stove an 85% reduction from the market price of TZS 50,990.
Launching the stoves, Kibondo District Commissioner Aggrey Magwaza emphasized the benefits for local households.
“This phase will provide 1,404 stoves to Kibondo, allowing each household to purchase one stove at a highly subsidized price. I urge residents to use these stoves for home cooking rather than commercial purposes,” he said.
Residents who received the stoves expressed gratitude to Samia Suluhu Hassan, commending the government for making efficient cooking solutions affordable.
“This initiative will save fuel, reduce smoke in our homes, and improve the health and wellbeing of our families,” said one beneficiary.
The distribution of improved cooking stoves is expected to significantly reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal in the region, promoting both environmental sustainability and healthier households, while advancing Tanzania’s vision for a cleaner, greener energy future.
