AU commends Dr Samia’s  efforts in advancing the clean cooking energy

JOHANNESBURG: THE African Union has recognized the efforts of Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, in advancing the adoption of clean cooking energy and has recommended her for formal designation as the continent’s champion for the agenda.

The decision was reached on April 30, 2026, during the 5th Ministerial Meeting of AU member states responsible for energy and transport, held in Johannesburg. Tanzania was represented by the Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, who led the country’s delegation at the ministerial level.

According to the meeting, President Samia was acknowledged for her significant role in driving policies, strategies, and international partnerships aimed at expanding access to clean cooking energy, reducing health and environmental risks, and improving livelihoods—particularly for women and children.

Speaking during discussions on the African Clean Cooking Energy Programme, Minister Ndejembi attributed Tanzania’s progress in the sector to President Samia’s leadership in prioritizing the agenda both domestically and internationally.

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He noted that under her leadership, clean cooking energy has been integrated into national strategic frameworks, including Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, as a key pillar of socio-economic transformation.

At the global level, President Samia has continued to advocate for the prioritization of clean cooking energy through international platforms, including COP28 and the Africa Clean Cooking Energy Summit held in Paris in 2024, where more than $2.2 billion was pledged to support the sector.

Following the recommendation by AU ministers and technical experts, President Samia is expected to be formally endorsed as the African Union Champion for Clean Cooking Energy at the upcoming AU Heads of State and Government Summit.