Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Reuben Kwagilwa, has praised the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) for its efforts to promote clean cooking energy, describing the initiative as an important contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Speaking during a visit to the utility’s exhibition booth at the World Environment Day 2026 celebrations at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre (JKCC) in Dodoma, Mr Kwagilwa said TANESCO’s campaign encouraging households to cook with electricity is helping to reduce pressure on forests and advance the country’s environmental protection agenda.
He noted that wider adoption of electric cooking technologies would reduce dependence on charcoal and firewood, which continue to be major contributors to deforestation and environmental degradation.
“I commend TANESCO for its commitment to promoting environmental conservation through clean cooking energy. These efforts are supporting the government’s broader goal of protecting natural resources while improving the welfare of citizens,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also urged the state-owned utility to strengthen tree-planting programmes around electricity generation facilities and other project areas to help safeguard ecosystems and water catchment sources.
He said environmental sustainability should remain at the centre of energy sector development, particularly as the country expands access to electricity and modern energy solutions.
Earlier, TANESCO’s Dodoma Regional Public Relations and Customer Service Officer, James Vesso, said the utility was participating in the exhibition to raise public awareness about the benefits of electric cooking and the importance of adopting clean energy technologies.
He said the company is continuing to educate consumers on how electricity can provide a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cooking fuels.
“We are using this platform to encourage the use of clean cooking energy while also showcasing TANESCO’s environmental conservation initiatives implemented alongside power projects across the country,” said Mr Vesso.
The World Environment Day celebrations have brought together government institutions, private sector players and development partners to showcase initiatives aimed at promoting environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development.
