By The Respondents Reporter
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Nov. 14 — Tanzania's electricity utility TANESCO has used a boxing event in Dar es Salaam to promote electric cooking and support local sports, awarding boxer Kalolo Amiri TShs. 2 million and an electric cooker following his victory over Filipino opponent Kurta Pabular.
Amiri won the eight-round bout on points at The Super Dome in Masaki, where the competition featured several boxing contests.
TANESCO Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager Augustino Kasale presented the awards on November 13 on behalf of the utility's managing director.
Kasale said the recognition was part of TANESCO's efforts to support sports and acknowledge athletes who promote Tanzania through international competitions.
He said the electric cooker, branded Smart Pika, was also intended to encourage households to adopt electricity as a cleaner cooking option. TANESCO says the appliance is designed to use less electricity.
"TANESCO continues to support sports in the country. We have presented these awards because we recognise the contribution of athletes in promoting our nation. We are also using different platforms to educate the public on the importance of electric cooking as we seek to increase the number of people using clean energy," Kasale said.
Amiri thanked TANESCO for recognising athletes and supporting boxing, saying the gesture would motivate him to prepare for future competitions, particularly those in which he represents the country.
The event was attended by Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who was the guest of honour.
TANESCO's participation forms part of its broader efforts to promote electric cooking as Tanzania pursues its national clean cooking strategy, which targets 80% of the population using clean cooking energy by 2034.