The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has used the 17th Cigogo Music Festival in Dodoma to promote clean electric cooking, urging households to adopt modern energy solutions that improve health, protect the environment and reduce cooking expenses.
Speaking to journalists at Chamwino Arts Centre (CAC) ahead of the festival’s official opening on July 25, 2026, TANESCO Dodoma Regional Senior Marketing Officer Doris Mfinanga said the company’s participation aims to increase public awareness about the benefits of electric cooking.
The festival is expected to be officially opened by Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule and attract thousands of visitors from different parts of the country.
Mfinanga said TANESCO will use its exhibition booth throughout the festival to provide practical demonstrations on how modern electric cooking appliances work and how they can support households in shifting away from traditional cooking methods.
She explained that electric cooking appliances are designed to use less electricity while preparing different types of Tanzanian meals, including beans, rice and mixed maize and beans (makande), without producing smoke.
“Our electric cookers can prepare all types of Tanzanian dishes, including beans, rice and makande, using less than one electricity unit. One unit costs only TSh 360, meaning even foods that usually require a long cooking time can be prepared at a very low cost,” Mfinanga said.
She added that TANESCO decided to participate in the festival because of its large audience, providing an opportunity to reach more citizens with information about clean cooking technologies.
“We expect to reach more than 10,000 people during the festival and educate them on the benefits of electric cooking while supporting President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s national campaign to promote clean cooking energy across Tanzania,” she said.
Mfinanga encouraged festival attendees to visit the TANESCO booth to learn more about clean cooking solutions and access various services provided by the electricity utility.
Meanwhile, TANESCO Dodoma Regional Assistant Customer Service Officer Regina Mkalawa said the company has increased efforts to promote the use of modern electric cooking appliances as part of the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
She said TANESCO has assessed and approved Electric Pressure Cookers and Induction Cookers, confirming that the appliances consume minimal electricity while improving cooking efficiency.
Mkalawa noted that households using less than 75 electricity units per month under Tariff Zero can also afford to use the appliances, making clean electric cooking accessible to more citizens.
She explained that adopting electric cooking helps reduce cooking time, eliminates dependence on charcoal and firewood, lowers exposure to smoke-related health risks and contributes to environmental conservation by reducing pressure on forests.
“The transition to clean cooking energy is important for improving household welfare, protecting the environment and supporting Tanzania’s sustainable development goals,” Mkalawa said.
Through its participation in the Cigogo Music Festival, TANESCO aims to engage directly with communities and encourage more Tanzanians to embrace clean cooking technologies as part of efforts to build a healthier and more sustainable future.
