Tanzania eyes 80 percent clean cooking by 2034 with Sh130 billion strategy

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has launched a groundbreaking Sh130 billion National Clean Cooking Communication Strategy (NCCCS), aiming to transition 80 percent of its population to clean cooking energy by 2034.

This ambitious initiative, unveiled by the ministry of Energy in Dodoma on June 2, 2025, seeks to revolutionise cooking methods, prioritising health, environmental sustainability, and affordability.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry of Energy, Felchesmi Mramba, presented the strategy summary, explaining that the NCCCS is a cornerstone of the broader National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034), operating under the national slogan: “Clean Cooking, Saving Lives and the Environment.” He emphasized that the effort extends beyond merely changing cooking methods.

“It is fundamentally about improving public health, protecting the environment, and reducing the workload, especially for women and children who suffer the most from indoor air pollution,” he said.

He added: “The communication strategy is designed to reach every corner of Tanzania, dismantling long-standing cultural norms that link cooking to charcoal and firewood. Our approach focuses on respectful and culturally sensitive messaging, avoiding terms like ‘nishati chafu’ (dirty energy) which can alienate people. Instead, we promote ‘nishati isiyo safi ya kupikia’ (traditional cooking methods) to encourage a positive conversation.”

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The ministry of Energy has developed a comprehensive communication campaign utilising diverse platforms—radio, television, social media, SMS, community events, and faith-based networks—to ensure messages reach both urban and rural Tanzanians. The campaign prioritises local languages and trusted community influencers, focusing on the clear benefits of clean cooking, such as improved respiratory health, reduced fuel expenses, environmental preservation, and time savings, particularly for women.

To address misconceptions, the strategy incorporates dialogue and practical demonstrations of clean cooking technologies, alongside financial education on affordable payment schemes like microloans, pay-as-you-go systems, and subsidies.

Mr Mramba noted that the strategy aligns with Tanzania’s development agenda and international commitments, supporting SDGs 3, 5, 7, and 13, as well as the National Development Vision 2025 and the Paris Climate Agreement. Its evidence-based foundation, derived from an in-depth analysis of Tanzania’s clean cooking ecosystem, addresses barriers like affordability, availability, and cultural practices, allowing for tailored messaging.

The campaign recognises the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration, targeting households, local government authorities, clean energy providers, financial institutions, researchers, and the media. Messages are customised to each stakeholder’s role.

Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are integrated, with quarterly progress reports and comprehensive government reviews every three years.

A Clean Cooking Stakeholders Forum will convene twice annually to maintain coordination.

The strategy also includes a Crisis Communication Plan to combat misinformation.

Mr Mramba concluded: “This is not just a strategy—it is a movement. Done right, clean cooking will no longer be a privilege of the few but a standard for all Tanzanians.”

Deputy Prime Minister and minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, urged all sectors to actively participate, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts.

“We must ensure this message reaches even the most remote households. Clean cooking is a development imperative that belongs to every Tanzanian,” Dr Biteko asserted.

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He lauded President Samia Suluhu Hassan for championing clean cooking, noting that since the National Strategy’s launch in May 2024, clean energy adoption has surged from 6 percent to 16 percent under her leadership.

Dr Biteko highlighted the formation of a specialised clean cooking unit within the Ministry of Energy to manage projects and awareness campaigns. He also underscored the campaign’s urgency, citing international statistics that show over 2.1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean cooking, with Africa disproportionately affected.

In Tanzania, traditional cooking fuels cause about 33,000 annual deaths due to indoor air pollution, mainly affecting women and children under five.

“The use of unsafe cooking fuels leads to severe respiratory diseases and environmental damage. We recognise these challenges and are committed to working with all stakeholders to tackle them,” Dr Biteko said.

Deputy minister of Energy, Judith Kapinga, emphasised that President Samia’s influence has provided crucial momentum, stating: “This communication strategy will speed up adoption, creating a social revolution that moves Tanzania from unsafe to clean cooking energy.”

Furthermore, Regional Commissioner for Dodoma, Ms Rosemary Senyamule, affirmed the region’s commitment to the clean cooking agenda. She said Dodoma has already seen major institutions such as nine prisons, three VETA colleges, and nine boarding schools transition to clean cooking fuels.

“Awareness is spreading rapidly, and the health and environmental benefits are clear. We anticipate more institutions and households adopting clean energy soon,” Ms Senyamule said.

The Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals, led by David Mathayo, commended the government’s proactive stance and collaboration with the Ministry of Energy in advancing clean cooking.

On behalf of Government Spokesperson, Mr Rodney Thadeus pledged his ministry’s support, promising close cooperation to amplify the strategy’s reach.

For her part, the advisor to the President on Clean Cooking Energy and Social Development matters, Ms Angellah Kairuki, praised the government’s achievements and urged continuous stakeholder cooperation.

"The government’s achievements in promoting clean cooking energy are commendable. However, sustained cooperation among all stakeholders is essential to build on this progress and ensure lasting impact for our communities," she said.

International partners expressed their commitment. Head of the Resource Unit from the European Union, Mr Lamine Diallo, applauded the strategy as a milestone reflecting Tanzania’s dedication to improving citizens’ lives through clean energy.

"This strategy marks a significant milestone, demonstrating Tanzania’s strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens through clean and sustainable energy solutions. We remain fully committed to supporting this transformative journey,” he shared.

With similar sentiments, Senior Financial Specialist at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Immanuel Muro, highlighted how the strategy will enhance market efficiency, promote clean energy businesses, and empower consumers to make informed choices.

“This is more than education; it is about transforming lives,” Mr Muro said.