Joseph Isangura
Tanzania is making significant strides in its efforts to promote clean cooking energy, with over 13 million gas cylinders sold since the launch of a national campaign aimed at reducing dependence on traditional cooking fuels.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, revealed this achievement during a forum in Dar es Salaam, where he emphasized the impact of the campaign in transforming the country’s energy landscape. According to him, the current sales figures mark a 35% increase compared to the period before the initiative began.
“This is unprecedented in the country’s history,” Dr. Biteko stated, highlighting the growing adoption of clean cooking energy. He encouraged private sector players and innovators to continue their contributions to ensure that affordable and accessible clean energy solutions reach more households.
The push for clean cooking energy is part of a broader national strategy to transition away from firewood and charcoal, which are widely used in Tanzanian homes. With a target of ensuring that at least 80% of the population relies on clean cooking energy by 2034, the government has been rolling out policies and incentives to accelerate the shift.
One of the key initiatives under this strategy is a subsidy program for gas cylinders, making them more affordable for consumers, especially in rural areas. Under this program, the government covers 50% of the cost in rural regions and 20% in urban areas, ensuring that even low-income households can access cleaner alternatives.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been at the forefront of this effort, recently overseeing the allocation of 452,445 gas cylinders to further support the campaign. Speaking in Muheza District, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of clean energy solutions across the country. She also called on private companies to support the initiative by investing in the distribution and refilling of cooking gas.
The widespread use of firewood and charcoal for cooking has contributed to rapid deforestation, with Tanzania losing over 460,000 hectares of forest annually. Additionally, reliance on these fuels has led to severe health risks, as indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods is responsible for thousands of premature deaths each year.
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To address these challenges, the government, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, is not only promoting the use of gas but also developing infrastructure for cleaner alternatives such as biogas and electricity-based cooking solutions. The Rural Energy Agency (REA) is actively working on initiatives to expand access to these alternatives, particularly in underserved areas.
The shift towards clean cooking energy has also been supported by a growing awareness campaign, with media and advocacy groups playing a crucial role in educating the public about the benefits of transitioning to modern cooking solutions. As a result, more Tanzanians are embracing cleaner energy sources, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable and healthier future.
With continued investments, policy support, and collaboration between the government and private sector, Tanzania is well on its way to achieving its clean cooking energy targets, paving the way for a safer and more environmentally friendly cooking culture.
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