In a bold push to protect public health and the environment, Tanzania has launched a TZS 130 billion National Clean Cooking Communication Strategy aimed at transforming how the nation cooks. 

Officially unveiled on June 2, 2025, in Dodoma, the strategy supports the ambitious goal of ensuring that 80% of Tanzanian households adopt clean cooking energy solutions by 2034.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, emphasized that the strategy is not just a media plan, but a nationwide call to action. “The strategy must be implemented at all levels of government, including the private sector, development partners, and the media.” 

He noted that since the introduction of the broader National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034) last year, the adoption of clean cooking methods has jumped from 6% to 16%.

According to Dr. Biteko, unsafe cooking fuels continue to harm the health of millions, particularly women and children under five. Globally, over 2.1 billion people still lack access to clean cooking solutions, with nearly half of them living in Africa. 

As part of this effort, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has established a Clean Cooking Energy Unit within the Ministry of Energy, tasked with overseeing all national education and awareness activities under the new strategy. Dr. Biteko also announced that progress will be closely monitored, with quarterly evaluations led by the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule highlighted existing progress within the region, including the adoption of clean energy in prisons, vocational training colleges, and boarding schools. She affirmed the region’s commitment to becoming a national model in clean energy adoption.

Deputy Minister of Energy, Judith Kapinga, described clean cooking energy as “a new frontier” in Tanzania’s development. She credited President Samia’s leadership with elevating the issue to national and international importance, and said the communication strategy will act as a catalyst for change.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba called the strategy a “milestone in energy transformation.” Developed in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and supported by the European Union, the strategy carries the message “Clean Cooking Energy: Save Lives and the Environment.”

EU Head of Resources, Lamine Diallo, commended Tanzania’s efforts, calling the strategy a powerful sign of political will and public commitment to long-term well-being.

The Clean Cooking Communication Strategy complements the broader 2024–2034 National Clean Cooking Strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on biomass and introduce cleaner, safer energy alternatives across households, institutions, and businesses.