The Government of Tanzania has intensified efforts to promote clean cooking energy by introducing a TZS 3 billion subsidy programme targeting youth, women, and people with special needs, as part of a broader national drive to improve livelihoods and protect the environment.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, while addressing a fundraising event for the Women and Mwalimu Nyerere Group in Dodoma.
She said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to clean cooking solutions while creating economic opportunities for citizens at the grassroots level.
Makamba said that many households, especially in rural areas, still rely on traditional cooking fuels such as firewood and charcoal, a situation that contributes to environmental degradation and health risks.
She noted that this challenge also presents opportunities for entrepreneurship in clean cooking technologies.
She urged women and youth to take advantage of the growing clean energy market by engaging in the production and distribution of improved cookstoves and alternative charcoal, which are safer, more affordable, and environmentally friendly.
“I encourage your group to carefully explore this sector and use the available opportunities to improve your incomes while supporting government efforts to protect the environment,” she said.
The Deputy Minister further explained that the government, through the Ministry of Energy, has allocated TZS 10 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year to support research, innovation, and awareness creation on clean cooking energy.
The funds will also strengthen partnerships with the private sector to scale up access to modern energy solutions across the country.
She added that the newly announced TZS 3 billion subsidy programme is specifically designed to lower production costs and support entrepreneurs involved in clean cooking energy businesses, particularly those producing alternative charcoal and improved cookstoves.
Makamba emphasized that clean cooking energy is a national priority under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, who has continued to champion the transition to clean energy in Tanzania and across the African continent.
She noted that the government has set an ambitious target of ensuring that at least 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.
Currently, only 28.6 percent of the population has access to clean cooking solutions, highlighting the need for increased investment, innovation, and participation from both the public and private sectors.
