Tanzania kicks off clean cooking awareness drive

DODOMA: SIGNIFICANT strides towards sustainable and healthier cooking solutions were made in Dodoma on Monday as the government, in collaboration with the European Union, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and other development partners, officially launched the National Clean Cooking Communications Strategy and Awareness Campaign.

The campaign marks a key milestone in Tanzania’s goal to achieve 80 per cent adoption of clean cooking solutions by 2034, as outlined in the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024–2034.

The launch event brought together over 250 participants, including senior government officials, local authorities, development partners, SMEs, financial institutions, academia, media and civil society.

Their presence underscored a growing national consensus: clean cooking is essential for public health, environmental sustainability, economic development and gender equity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, highlighted awareness as central to achieving national clean energy targets.

ALSO READ: Tanzania braces for broader Clean Cooking Energy campaign

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made clean cooking a national development priority. This campaign is a call to action, inviting households, communities and institutions to embrace modern energy solutions,” he said.

He explained that the awareness campaign will roll out in phases starting with nationwide media messaging, followed by community outreach, school-based education and market demonstrations.

“Our aim is to create an environment where knowledge drives behaviour change and behaviour change fuels demand,” he added.

“This ten-year journey begins now, with every ward and village as a target.” The campaign will use a multi-channel approach to engage diverse audiences.

Strategies include mass media, grassroots outreach, digital platforms (social media, SMS, mobile apps) and partnerships with influencers, religious leaders and educators all aimed at generating sustained engagement and driving widespread adoption. Representing the European Union, Head of Natural Resources Unit Mr Lamine Diallo said,

“Awareness is the foundation of transformation. Our goal is to ensure every family understands the health, environmental and economic benefits of clean cooking and has access to affordable solutions.” UNCDF’s Senior Finance Specialist, Mr Imanuel Muro, emphasised the strategy’s broader impact on market systems and community resilience.

ALSO READ: Clean cooking energy campaign sweeps across Tanzania

“This is more than messaging, it’s about transforming markets, supporting enterprises and enabling informed household decisions. Its success will be seen in real, measurable improvements in people’s lives,” he said.

The launch marks the beginning of a national movement toward clean cooking for all. As the campaign unfolds, the government and its partners are calling on all stakeholders public and private—to turn awareness into action and ambition into impact.