Tanzania must strengthen collaboration between the government, private sector and development partners if it is to achieve its ambitious target of ensuring that 80 percent of households use clean cooking energy by 2034, the Ministry of Energy has said.
The call comes as the country steps up efforts to reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels, which continue to pose health and environmental challenges while limiting economic opportunities for many households.
Speaking during the opening of the Clean Cooking Expo 2026 in Dar es Salaam on Monday, the Ministry’s Chief Geologist, Ngereja Mgejwa, said clean cooking energy has become a national development agenda that requires collective action from all stakeholders.
Representing the Director of Clean Cooking Energy, Mr Mgejwa said expanding access to clean cooking solutions would not only improve the health of millions of Tanzanians but also help protect forests, enhance educational opportunities for girls and increase economic productivity.
He said the government is focusing on ensuring that citizens have access to affordable, safe and reliable clean cooking options, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), improved cookstoves, natural gas, electricity, biogas and bioethanol.
According to him, achieving the 2034 target will depend on sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation and public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging households to transition from traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal.
“Clean cooking energy is not only an energy issue. It is also a health, environmental and economic issue that affects the wellbeing of families and the future of the country,” he said.
Mr Mgejwa also commended the Tanzania Association of Business Women (TABWA) for organising the three-day exhibition and conference, noting that the event provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify practical solutions to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies.
He said the event will conclude with a Clean Cooking Energy Marathon designed to raise awareness of the benefits of clean cooking for public health and environmental conservation.
For her part, TABWA Executive Director, Ms Noreen Mawalla, said the exhibition is being held under the theme: “Protect Health, Preserve the Environment and Save Time for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
She said the event seeks to increase public understanding of clean cooking technologies while supporting the implementation of Tanzania’s National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.
Ms Mawalla noted that the expo features training sessions, panel discussions and exhibitions of various clean cooking technologies, bringing together participants from government institutions, private companies, development organisations and the wider public.
She encouraged Tanzanians to visit the exhibition and learn more about available clean cooking solutions that can improve household welfare while contributing to environmental sustainability.
The push for clean cooking energy has gained momentum in recent years as Tanzania seeks to reduce the health risks associated with indoor air pollution, curb deforestation and support the transition to sustainable energy sources.
The government views clean cooking as a critical component of its broader agenda to improve living standards and promote inclusive economic development.
