Oil & Gas

In a bold move to address health, environmental, and climate issues linked to traditional cooking methods, the government is set to launch the National Clean Cooking Communications Strategy and Awareness Campaign on Monday, June 2, 2025. The initiative aims to promote a nationwide shift toward clean, sustainable cooking solutions, aligning with the country's broader energy transition goals. This campaign marks a significant step forward in efforts to reduce dependence on harmful biomass fuels, such as firewood and charcoal, which are still used by over 80 percent of households in Tanzania.

Organized by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and other stakeholders, the launch event in Dodoma will gather over 200 participants. These include government representatives, private sector actors, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the media. The campaign supports the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024–2034, which aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians adopt clean cooking technologies by 2034. As noted by Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, “The strategy is not just about energy. It’s about health, environment, and equity.”

To achieve these goals, the communication campaign will promote a variety of cleaner alternatives such as liquefied petroleum gas, electric cooking, improved cookstoves, bioethanol, and biogas. A unique aspect of the strategy is its multi-channel outreach approach, which will engage community networks, faith-based organizations, local media, and NGOs to effectively reach different segments of the population. Marc Stalmans, EU head of delegation to Tanzania, emphasized, “The campaign is about shifting social norms and creating a market for clean, accessible energy.”

In addition to raising awareness, the initiative also emphasizes behavioral change and market development, aiming to stimulate both demand and access to clean cooking technologies. Financial institutions and businesses are being urged to consider innovative financing models and distribution strategies to better serve underserved communities. “The launch signals a move from policy to practice,” said Imanuel Muro, Senior Finance Specialist at UNCDF. “We are working closely with partners to ensure that awareness efforts translate into real change on the ground.”