Clean cooking drive unlocks Msalala market opportunities

SHINYANGA: THE growing adoption of clean cooking energy in Msalala District Council is creating new opportunities for local energy businesses while expanding access to cooking gas and supporting the shift away from charcoal and firewood.

The development is being driven by community awareness programmes and a network of local energy ambassadors as the government works towards increasing the proportion of Tanzanians using clean cooking energy to 80 per cent by 2034.

Taifa Gas Marketing Manager, Mr Oscar Shelukindo said over the weekend that the initiative had contributed to increased adoption of cooking gas in Msalala, with more residents moving away from charcoal and firewood.

He said wider use of clean cooking energy would not only benefit households but also create business opportunities while supporting environmental conservation and improving health outcomes.

Mr Shelukindo thanked Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine for supporting the initiative and encouraged more residents to adopt clean cooking solutions.

At the weekend, Local energy agent, Ms Pilly Zubery, was awarded a motorcycle under the Energy Ambassador campaign after helping more than 50 households switch to cooking gas.

The award highlights the growing role of local agents in expanding the clean cooking market by taking information, products and services closer to households.

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The campaign, launched during World Environment Day celebrations, has trained 20 agents as energy ambassadors and provided them with 320 gas cylinders to support awareness, distribution and sensitisation activities in their communities.

Taifa Gas Lake Zone Marketing Manager, Ms Hawa Omary, said demand for clean cooking energy in Msalala had continued to grow since the campaign began, indicating increasing acceptance of gas as an alternative cooking fuel.

For Ms Zubery, the campaign has provided both a platform to promote clean energy and an opportunity to expand her business.

Barrick Bulyanhulu Community Relations Officer, Ms Mary Lupamba, said the company would continue working with stakeholders to support environmental conservation and clean energy initiatives.

The strategy is expected to expand demand for clean cooking technologies and create opportunities for businesses involved in energy distribution, retailing and related services.