President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday distributed cooking gas cylinders to mama and baba lishe as part of a national drive to promote clean cooking energy and support small-scale food vendors.
The distribution took place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre during the National Mama and Baba Lishe Conference, which brought together food entrepreneurs from across the country.
The initiative is aimed at accelerating the shift from traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal to cleaner energy sources, in line with the government’s broader agenda to improve public health and protect the environment.
President Samia said expanding access to clean cooking energy remains a priority, noting that many households and small businesses still depend on biomass fuels that expose users to health risks and contribute to deforestation.
She said the government will continue to implement measures to make gas more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income users and informal sector operators.
The President added that empowering mama and baba lishe with modern cooking solutions will not only improve their working conditions but also enhance productivity and service delivery in the fast-growing urban food sector.
Beneficiaries welcomed the support, saying the shift to gas will reduce fuel costs, save time and improve hygiene in food preparation, ultimately boosting their incomes.
The initiative is part of a wider government strategy to promote clean energy adoption while strengthening the capacity of micro-entrepreneurs, who remain central to Tanzania’s informal economy.
