Clean cooking drive gathers momentum

TANZANIA: HAVE you ever seen a Head of State cooking? For many, the video of President Samia Suluhu Hassan preparing a meal in her kitchen is a maiden episode.

The video was revealed during the launch of the ‘Kizimkazi Declaration’ in Dar es Salaam, which also highlighted the campaign for clean energy use.

In the footage, President Samia is shown in a brightly lit kitchen, wearing a white apron and cap as she operates a clean energy stove. The steady blue flame contrasts sharply with the smoke-filled charcoal stoves that traditionally many Tanzanians use. Her actions go beyond cooking—she is igniting a national conversation about clean energy.

As Tanzania’s first female president, Dr Samia is demonstrating leadership and advocacy for clean energy. The bright, clean stove symbolises Tanzania’s transition toward sustainability.

The video’s fresh, clean visuals reflect the potential of a future powered by renewable energy. It conveys a powerful message: despite her high office and responsibilities, President Samia also cooks, bridging the gap between leadership and the everyday lives of Tanzanians.

This act of humility resonates deeply, particularly with women who are the primary cooks in Tanzanian households. The message is clear: clean energy is attainable, practical and essential for improving lives.

The video also underscored the government’s strategies to reduce cooking gas costs and expand access to clean energy, especially in rural areas.

President Samia explained that the government is lowering taxes in the cooking gas sector to reduce prices and encourage more Tanzanians to make the switch.

She called on media outlets to educate the public about the benefits of clean energy, highlighting global statistics that show over 2.4 million people rely on dirty energy sources, with more than 300 daily deaths linked to respiratory diseases caused by air pollution.

At the event to launch the ‘Kizimkazi Declaration’ in Dar es Salaam yesterday, 2,000 LPG cylinders were donated to food vendors.

One beneficiary, Mariam Salim, remarked that the president’s video shows clean energy as both an environmental cause and a practical home solution.

“Tanzania still has 70 per cent of households relying on firewood or charcoal for cooking. Seeing the president use a clean energy stove represents the future we should be working toward,” said Ramadhani Jamal.

Chief guest at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, emphasised the need to make clean cooking energy a permanent national agenda.

He urged Tanzanians with access to electricity to embrace it for cooking, as research shows it is more cost-effective than charcoal.

The donation of LPG cylinders was facilitated by Oryx Gas Tanzania (OGTL) and TotalEnergies Tanzania.

OGTL Managing Director, Benoit Araman, stated that clean cooking solutions have become a reality under President Samia’s leadership, with a goal of achieving 80 per cent clean energy access in Tanzania by 2034.

ALSO READ: Hydrogen to boost clean energy drive in Tanzania

“Today, it has become a reality and a strategy for the betterment of the country under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and her government,” Mr Araman said.

“It is through food vendors that the goals of the Clean Cooking Programme will be achieved. Oryx Gas Tanzania is committed to supporting and training them for the safe use of LPG.”

He emphasised that clean cooking is not merely a statement but a right for every Tanzanian. Oryx Gas Tanzania Limited is dedicated to implementing the President’s vision of achieving 80 per cent clean energy access by 2034.