MWE Correspondent
The Government of Tanzania has launched a major initiative to subsidize clean cooking technologies across the country.
Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, revealed that more than 452,000 LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders are being distributed with a 20–50% subsidy to encourage widespread adoption. The discount is greater in rural areas—up to 75%—to ensure access for low-income households.
“This is about more than energy—it’s about improving public health, protecting our forests, and modernizing daily life in our communities,” said Kapinga.
The initiative also includes a plan by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to distribute 200,000 improved cookstoves with discounts of up to 75%. These stoves are designed to reduce fuel consumption and limit exposure to harmful smoke, which is a major contributor to indoor air pollution and related illnesses.
With electricity now available in nearly every village in the country, Kapinga encouraged citizens to consider electric cookers as part of a broader shift to clean energy. This aligns with Tanzania’s long-term goals under its National Development Vision 2025.
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In partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the government is also rolling out biogas projects targeting pastoralist communities. These systems enable rural households to convert livestock waste into gas for cooking, offering a clean alternative where electricity or LPG is not easily accessible.
The President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) is also involved in implementing the program in public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and administrative offices. The goal is to reduce reliance on firewood, cut operational costs, and demonstrate the benefits of cleaner energy to wider communities.
Health officials have long raised concerns over the widespread use of charcoal and firewood. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to smoke from traditional stoves is responsible for millions of premature deaths each year—particularly among women and children.
“These subsidies are a lifeline,” Kapinga added. “They represent an investment in a healthier, greener, and more equitable future for Tanzania.”
