By Our Correspondent, PARIS
The accessibility of clean cooking energy in Tanzania has increased from 6.9 percent in 2021 to 23.2 percent in 2025, representing a more than threefold increase within a period of four years.
The Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, stated that these achievements reflect the commitment of the Sixth Phase Government to ensuring citizens have access to clean, safe, and affordable cooking energy, while contributing to the protection of public health, the environment, and the growth of the national economy.
Speaking on February 18, 2026, at the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, Minister Ndejembi said Tanzania has continued to strengthen efforts to expand the use of clean cooking energy as part of the sustainable development agenda.
He explained that these successes were fueled by the implementation of resolutions from the first African Clean Cooking Energy Summit, where Tanzania participated in mobilizing a commitment of 2.2 billion US dollars to develop the sector across the African continent.
Minister Ndejembi emphasized that real success will be measured by practical implementation and the expansion of services, particularly in rural areas where the use of firewood and charcoal remains high.
Furthermore, he noted that in May 2024, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan, officially launched the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034. This strategy aims to coordinate policies, regulations, financial systems, and private sector participation to increase the use of clean energy in the country.
“For this financial year, the Government expects to distribute 200,000 improved cookstoves and 450,000 LPG cylinders through subsidies, as well as starting a pilot program for an on-bill financing system for electric cooking appliances through the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to reduce upfront costs for citizens,” he said.
He also explained that the Government has banned the use of firewood and charcoal in institutions serving more than 100 people, including schools and health centers, a move aimed at reducing environmental degradation and the health risks associated with indoor smoke.
“Clean cooking energy should also be viewed as an economic sector capable of generating jobs in the production, distribution, and maintenance of equipment,” said Ndejembi, while calling on investors to take advantage of the available opportunities.
He emphasized that Tanzania will continue to cooperate with local and international development partners to ensure that the goals for clean cooking energy access are achieved significantly and sustainably, alongside efforts to combat climate change and improve the well-being of citizens.
According to the IEA, Africa can achieve universal access to clean cooking energy by 2040, but this success requires an investment of approximately two billion dollars annually.
