Shifting the heat: Tanzania’s push toward clean cooking gains momentum

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is at a pivotal point in its energy journey, as the government and development partners intensify efforts to transition households away from traditional biomass fuels toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking alternatives.

Over 90 percent of Tanzanians still rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking—fuels that contribute to widespread deforestation, indoor air pollution, and poor health outcomes, especially among women and children. But new momentum is building through national strategies and targeted programmes aimed at transforming the cooking energy landscape.

One of the major drivers of this change is the CookFund Programme—a five-year, €19.4 million initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). The programme supports enterprises involved in the production, importation, and distribution of clean cooking solutions in key urban centres including Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Morogoro, Mwanza, and Pwani.

In regions like Tabora and Tanga, CookFund is also backing environmental management plans to counter harmful charcoal production practices—part of a broader push aligned with Tanzania’s National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034).

 A balanced energy mix for cleaner kitchens

The country’s clean cooking transition hinges on promoting a diverse and inclusive energy mix—primarily involving LPG, electricity, and bioethanol—each offering specific advantages in Tanzania’s urban and peri-urban contexts.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains a popular alternative to charcoal due to its efficiency and reduced emissions. However, affordability remains a major challenge. A standard 6kg LPG cylinder costs up to Sh45,000—well beyond the reach of many low-income households. Solutions such as pay-as-you-go models, stronger distribution networks, and policy support are seen as crucial to scaling up adoption.

Meanwhile, electric cooking is emerging as a viable alternative, particularly in cities. According to 2022 data from the Rural Energy Agency, over 84 percent of Tanzanians are now connected to the national grid. In Dar es Salaam, more than 80 percent of households have access to electricity.

Devices like electric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer long-term savings, but initial costs and inconsistent power supply in some areas remain deterrents.

Bioethanol, produced from sugar industry waste, provides a locally sourced and environmentally friendly option. It aligns with circular economy principles while reducing dependency on imported fuels. However, uptake remains limited due to taxes and inconsistent availability. Stakeholders are calling for policy reforms, including tax incentives, to make bioethanol more accessible to consumers.

 Health, jobs, and the environment: The triple win

The shift toward clean cooking has far-reaching benefits. Indoor air pollution from biomass fuels is a major health risk, contributing to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths. Clean fuels help reduce household exposure, improving health outcomes for millions.

On the economic front, the CookFund Programme has already disbursed over Sh13.4 billion in grants to 61 enterprises—creating jobs across the clean cooking value chain, from stove manufacturing to fuel logistics.

Public institutions, including secondary schools, have reported improved cooking efficiency and reduced reliance on firewood after adopting clean technologies.

Environmentally, replacing charcoal with LPG or electricity can reduce carbon emissions by more than 60 percent. With Dar es Salaam alone accounting for over half of national charcoal consumption, a shift away from biomass could play a critical role in conserving Tanzania’s forests.

A path forward: Awareness, access, and advocacy

Experts agree that scaling clean cooking in Tanzania will require a multi-pronged approach. Cultural habits and lack of awareness remain significant barriers. Public education campaigns are essential to shift perceptions and demonstrate the economic and health benefits of modern cooking technologies.

Additionally, private sector engagement is key. The CookFund Programme is helping create a market-enabling environment where businesses can thrive, innovate, and expand their reach.

To ensure long-term success, stakeholders are urging continued policy advocacy—especially tax reform on clean fuels—and investment in infrastructure, particularly expanding electricity access to peri-urban areas and improving grid reliability.

Tanzania’s energy transition, particularly in the clean cooking sector, is gaining ground—but sustained progress will depend on collaboration, innovation, and political will.