Tanzania’s clean cooking transition needs bold, inclusive energy mix

Tanzania stands at a pivotal moment in its energy transition journey, with clean cooking solutions offering a path toward improved public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

For decades, the majority of Tanzanians have relied on biomass fuels—primarily firewood and charcoal—for cooking. 

While affordable and accessible, these traditional fuels have long-term environmental and health consequences, especially for women and children, who are disproportionately exposed to indoor air pollution.

Today, more than 90 percent of households still depend on biomass, contributing to widespread deforestation and carbon emissions. 

In Dar es Salaam alone, over half of the charcoal produced nationwide is consumed, putting pressure on forests across the country.

To reverse this trend, Tanzania is implementing a range of clean cooking initiatives, most notably through the CookFund Programme—a five-year, €19.4 million project funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). 

The programme supports businesses across the clean cooking value chain, from production to retail, in five key urban regions: Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Mwanza.

CookFund also backs environmental mitigation efforts in Tabora and Tanga, which are among the leading regions in charcoal production. 

These interventions form part of the government’s broader National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034), which outlines a vision for sustainable energy access.

Why energy mix matters

A diverse clean cooking energy mix—comprising liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and bioethanol—is critical for ensuring equitable access and long-term sustainability.

LPG has emerged as a popular alternative to charcoal, offering cleaner combustion and faster cooking times.

However, affordability remains a key challenge. A 6kg LPG cylinder can cost up to Sh45,000, making it unaffordable for low-income families with inconsistent earnings. 

Expanding pay-as-you-go models and improving supply chains could significantly enhance accessibility.

Electricity offers another promising solution. According to the Rural Energy Agency (REA), over 84 percent of Tanzanians now have access to electricity, with Dar es Salaam alone seeing grid coverage of more than 82 percent. 

Electric pressure cookers (EPCs) provide efficient and cost-effective options over time, though reliability issues in peri-urban areas and high upfront costs remain barriers. Ensuring a stable and affordable electricity supply is vital for wider adoption.

Bioethanol, derived from sugar production waste, offers a locally produced and environmentally friendly option. It aligns with circular economy principles and reduces dependency on imported fuels. 

Still, its uptake has been hampered by taxation and supply inconsistencies. Removing tax burdens and incentivising production can boost its competitiveness in the market.

Economic and social benefits

Transitioning to clean cooking fuels is not just about environmental conservation—it also presents economic and social opportunities.

Households and institutions that have shifted to cleaner fuels report significant savings in both time and money. 

Public secondary schools, in particular, have benefited from reduced costs and improved efficiency in meal preparation.

The clean cooking sector is also driving job creation. Under CookFund, 61 grantees have received over Sh13.4 billion in funding to expand operations, supporting local entrepreneurship and employment across the country.

Furthermore, cleaner fuels dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Switching from charcoal to electricity or LPG can cut emissions by more than 60 percent. 

Reducing charcoal dependence also helps preserve Tanzania’s forests, a crucial step in mitigating climate change and maintaining biodiversity.

The path ahead

Despite progress, large-scale behavioural change remains a challenge. 

Deeply rooted cooking practices and public perceptions require sustained awareness campaigns to shift norms and encourage the uptake of clean alternatives.

Private sector involvement will be instrumental in scaling clean cooking solutions. 

CookFund is already fostering a market-enabling environment, but further efforts—such as tax incentives on LPG and bioethanol—are necessary to lower consumer costs and stimulate demand.

Infrastructure investment, particularly in expanding reliable electricity access to peri-urban and rural communities, will further accelerate the transition.

Tanzania’s clean cooking journey is complex, but with targeted policy support, strong public-private collaboration, and an inclusive approach to energy access, the country can make significant strides.

The benefits are clear: improved health, reduced environmental degradation, greater economic resilience, and a better quality of life for millions of Tanzanians.

Miguel Suleiman is a seasoned journalist based in Dar es Salaam