94 percent of funds would go into infrastructure such as LPG terminals, biogas plants, briquettes production, and improved cookstove workshops
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is seeking to mobilise $1.8 billion to transform household and institutional cooking nationwide, a critical step toward achieving its goal of 80 percent clean cooking access by 2034.
The ambition was at the centre of the Tanzania Clean Cooking Strategy Retreat held last week in London, co-hosted by the Government of Tanzania, the African Climate and Energy Nexus (AfCEN), and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). The three-day event drew government leaders, financiers, and energy experts to chart a pathway for clean cooking.
Energy engineer at the ministry of Energy, Anita Otto Ringia, said $1.6 billion is needed across awareness, infrastructure, technology and innovation, distribution and capacity building, rising to $1.8 billion when cross-cutting issues are included.
She noted that 94 percent of funds would go into infrastructure such as LPG terminals, biogas plants, briquettes production, and improved cookstove workshops. But only a fraction of pledged funding has been secured. “Less than 30 percent of the $800 million under the Tanzania Energy Compact has been mobilised. We face a financing shortfall of more than $560 million,” she said.
AfCEN CEO Joseph Ng’ang’a stressed the role of the private sector in bridging the gap. “A large share must come from private investment, which depends on creating bankable projects,” he said, adding that concessional finance, carbon markets, and blended approaches are essential.
Progress and leadership
Director of Clean Cooking at the ministry of Energy, Nolasco Roman Mlay, pointed to progress: access has risen from 6.9 percent in 2021 to 20.3 percent today. Yet more than 33,000 premature deaths occur annually due to indoor air pollution from traditional cooking.
He credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan with elevating the issue globally, from co-chairing the Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa in 2024 to championing the agenda at COP meetings and the G20. “Her commitment reflects Tanzania’s determination to put clean cooking at the heart of our just energy transition,” he said.
Policy measures
Mlay cited measures including a ban on firewood and charcoal in large institutions, distribution of 452,445 subsidised LPG kits, and expansion of e-cooking as every village gains electricity.
Fellow ministry engineer Benezeth Kabunduguru highlighted tax exemptions, subsidy schemes, and a Sh100 billion loan facility from NMB to support clean cooking enterprises. Training through vocational centres is also being rolled out to strengthen local manufacturing.
Innovations in technology and finance
Tanesco is piloting on-bill financing for e-cooking appliances, allowing households to repay costs via electricity bills. “This model can remove affordability barriers nationwide,” said director Irene Gowelle, while noting risks such as relocation of tenants before loans are cleared.
Amos Jackson, executive director of the Tanzania LPG Association, underlined LPG’s dominance, already contributing up to 70 percent of clean cooking sources. Demand is growing at up to 15 percent annually, but affordability remains a stumbling block.
Carbon markets were flagged as a financing opportunity. “They enhance financial viability by attracting investors, though challenges such as verification costs remain,” said Jacqueline Ngulla of Up Energy Tanzania. A task force on Article 6 carbon financing is being established to help Tanzania benefit.
Rural access and schools
The Rural Energy Agency (REA) has reached over 300,000 households through its Results-Based Financing scheme, offering subsidies of up to 75 percent. Engineer Kelvin Tarimo said REA plans to reach 60,000 more households with e-cooking solutions, while developing standards for appliances with the Bureau of Standards.
Schools are also emerging as a focus. “Our pilot installing e-cooking in schools has shown daily savings and strong community demand,” said Elizabeth Chege of SEforALL. Expansion to 50 institutions is planned, subject to financing.
Governance and accountability
Delegates called for stronger governance through performance scorecards, digital dashboards, and inclusion of civil society in oversight. They also urged finalisation of a National Clean Cooking Fund to coordinate and mobilise resources.
Zeph Kivungi of CIFF reminded participants of the human cost: “Traditional cooking is the second leading cause of child mortality under five. Every delay means more lives lost.” As Tanzania advances its clean cooking strategy, partnerships, innovation, and bold financing mechanisms are expected to determine whether the $1.8 billion ambition can become reality.
