Govt: It’s clean cooking energy ahead of COP30

DUBAI: TANZANIA has reiterated its unwavering commitment to advancing the clean cooking energy agenda as part of global efforts to address the challenges of climate change.

The pledge comes as President Samia Suluhu Hassan, a recognised champion of clean cooking energy, continues to lead the cause following her recognition by African Union (AU) members during the COP28 summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking at the close of the second African Group of Negotiators (AGN) meeting on climate change held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, AGN Chair, Dr Richard Muyungi, said Tanzania will maintain its leadership role in ensuring that at least 80 per cent of Tanzanians have access to clean cooking energy by 2030.

“President Samia has been nominated by the party to stand again for the presidency for the next five years. This is going to enhance the clean cooking agenda and the Mission 300 initiative on the continent,” he said.

Highlighting the outcomes of the three-day AGN strategic meeting, themed Institutionalisation of the AGN, Dr Muyungi said after extensive deliberations with delegates from the group’s 54 African member states, the next step will be to establish a special subcommittee to finalise the process early this year.

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“We have agreed to set up a subcommittee to conclude the process under Tanzania’s chairmanship, working alongside our colleagues from the African Union. We expect the matter to be finalised before the end of the year as directed by Heads of State during their February meeting,” he added.

Since its inception in 1995, the AGN has been a key player in global climate diplomacy, navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic negotiation environment.

However, Dr Muyungi noted that the absence of a permanent institutional support structure has at times undermined continuity, technical capacity and Africa’s negotiating strength.

“The process aims to strengthen continental solidarity and ensure stronger coordination among African states. We need to anchor the African Group of Negotiators within the AUC framework in a way that preserves its autonomy. Without such a link, there is a risk that individual national interests may weaken our collective agenda,” he emphasised.

Looking ahead to COP30, scheduled for November this year in Belém, Brazil, Dr Muyungi pledged to advance all the priorities discussed with AGN delegates and ensure they are presented on the global stage.