MCL, ATOGS, TZLPGA sign agreement to organise ‘Energy Connect 2024’ conference

Dar es Salaam. Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL), the Association of Tanzania Oil and Gas Service Providers (ATOGS), and the Tanzania Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (TZLPGA) have officially joined forces to organise the ‘Energy Connect 2024’ Clean Energy Conference.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today, September 10, to kickstart the event, which is set to take place over three days from October 16 to 18, 2024, under the theme: 'Innovative Collaboration in Clean Cooking Energy, Sustainability, and the Green Future'.

The primary objective of the conference is to unite key players from the energy sector along with organizations and companies from other industries that recognize the importance of clean energy for societal progress.

It aims to facilitate discussions and develop solutions for advancing clean energy adoption in Tanzania.

Speaking at the signing event, Acting Managing Director of MCL, Victor Mushi, highlighted the health risks associated with the use of charcoal and firewood, emphasizing the need to work with the government and other stakeholders to help communities transition to clean cooking energy.

“We are committed to raising awareness and deepening community knowledge about clean cooking energy through thoughtful discussions and innovative solutions that will be unveiled at this event.

MCL will collaborate with the government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations to educate the public on the environmental and health benefits of using clean, safe energy,” Mushi stated.

Mr Mushi further emphasized that the Energy Connect 2024 conference reflects MCL’s dedication to promoting sustainable innovations and supporting ongoing efforts by various stakeholders in achieving Tanzania’s clean energy goals.

On behalf of ATOGS, Chairman Abdusamad Abdulrahim underscored the critical role this conference will play in reducing the reliance on firewood, which poses serious health risks, including blindness.

He described the collaboration as a demonstration of strength, adding, “One finger cannot kill a louse.” Abdulrahim also expressed support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ambitious goal of ensuring that 80 percent of Tanzanians  transition to clean energy by 2034.

“This event will bring together key stakeholders across the energy value chain to explore innovative solutions that will shape Tanzania’s energy future. We believe that, working together, we can make significant strides toward achieving a sustainable energy future for Tanzania,” Abdulrahim said.

Mr Abdulrahim further stressed that clean energy technology should be made accessible to all Tanzanians, enabling them to shift away from the use of firewood and charcoal.

He called on the entire nation to unite in this effort, particularly during the three-day event, to free Tanzanians still dependent on traditional energy sources.

On the other hand, Director General of TZLPG, engineer Amos Jackson, echoed the sentiments of collaboration and education, stating that the conference would provide an important platform for raising public awareness and engaging with the government on the challenges faced by the sector.

Jackson affirmed that LPG is a vital part of the clean energy transition and expressed confidence that the government’s goal of increasing the use of clean cooking energy among Tanzanians can be realized through the expanded adoption of LPG.