Govt rolls out clean cooking tech to ‘roast’ out charcoal by 2034

DODOMA: THE government has launched a strategic programme to promote clean cooking solutions at all meat roasting markets across Tanzania, aimed at phasing out the use of firewood and charcoal by 2034.

As part of the 2024-2034 Clean Cooking Strategy, Tanzania aims to have 80 per cent of its population shift away from traditional cooking fuels in favour of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko has directed authorities to fully implement President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to achieve this ambitious goal. President Samia is a leading advocate for clean cooking initiatives on the African continent.

Speaking at the well-known Msalato meat market in Dodoma, Dr Biteko said that the programme is starting in Dodoma Region,specifically at Msalato market, before being expanded to all meat markets nationwide.

The event was organised by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to raise awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of clean energy solutions.

According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, this initiative requires all institutions and locations serving over 100 people to transition to clean energy.

“This is the first phase in Dodoma. Soon, all markets will move away from firewood and charcoal towards clean energy,” he said.

Dodoma Region has over ten meat roasting markets, with Msalato market, the oldest in the country, drawing the largest number of meat consumers in the area.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said that Msalato market serves between 2,000 and 3,000 meat consumers every Saturday.

Located 19 kilometres west of Dodoma’s city centre, the vibrant suburb of Msalato is a hub for over 1,500 small traders, attracting diverse customers from various economic backgrounds and nationalities. Fondly known as “Nyama Choma” (barbecue), the market is a transformative economic centre for many local entrepreneurs.

REA Director General Engineer Hassan Said revealed that a recent survey found 45 to 50 traders roasting meat every Saturday at Msalato market. The survey also showed that 90 per cent of these traders had little knowledge about clean cooking technologies.

Currently, 100 per cent of the traders rely on firewood and charcoal to serve their customers, the REA DG added.

However, 71 per cent of the surveyed traders expressed willingness to adopt clean cooking solutions, showing strong support for the government’s initiative.

In response, REA partnered with the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to promote the production of “Rafiki Briquettes,” an alternative, eco-friendly charcoal. Production equipment for these briquettes will now be supplied to all meat markets nationwide.

The Chairperson of Msalato market praised the government for introducing clean cooking technologies, noting that the new briquettes are user-friendly and require less fuel compared to traditional charcoal.

Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister handed over 25 clean cooking devices to traders at the Msalato meat market and instructed STAMICO to ensure a steady supply of Rafiki Briquettes to avoid shortages.