Fresh impetus in clean cooking drive

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government is stepping up efforts to expand access to clean cooking energy, reinforcing its target of ensuring at least 80 per cent of Tanzanians adopt clean cooking solutions by 2034.

Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, made the remarks yesterday during the official handover of clean cooking technologies to public institutions under the CookFund programme.

She said the transition is not merely a project but a decisive step towards building a healthier society, promoting sustainable energy use and protecting the environment.

“This is not just a project, but a firm step towards a healthier society, sustainable use of clean cooking energy and environmental conservation,” she said during the handover at Bunge Primary School in Dar es Salaam.

Ms Makamba highlighted that the government’s clean cooking initiative translates policy into practical benefits, prioritising a 10- year agenda (2024–2034) requiring public institutions serving over 100 people daily to shift from traditional biomass fuels.

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The programme mobilises public and private investment, strengthens the value chain, and boosts local production. Over 62,000 students now benefit from safer kitchens, with schools like Bunge Primary reducing daily cooking costs from 160,000/- to 45,500/-, saving around 1.5m/- monthly.

The school received stoves, cookers, fuel, and warmers worth 29 million/-. EU Head, Marc Stalmans emphasised support for sustainable practices that drive economic growth, create jobs, and deliver reliable energy.

UN Capital Development Fund’s Peter Malika noted investments of 10.1 million US dollars in 102 SMEs and support for 45 public institutions across 14 districts, reducing charcoal and firewood use while improving safety, efficiency and learning environments.