By Business Insider Reporter, Mbeya
The Ministry of Energy has been commended for its efforts to raise awareness and build capacity among regional energy officers on the use of clean cooking energy – a move expected to accelerate the implementation of Tanzania’s National Clean Cooking Strategy and support the government’s goal of achieving 80 percent clean cooking access by 2034.
Speaking during the opening of a capacity-building workshop for regional and district clean energy desk officers from the Southern Highlands regions, Mr. Simon Parmet, representing the Mbeya Regional Administrative Secretary, praised the initiative, saying it came at a critical time when most communities still rely heavily on firewood and charcoal for cooking despite abundant renewable energy potential.
“This region leads in forestry and timber production, yet dependence on firewood remains high,” said Mr Parmet. “These trainings will empower desk officers to educate communities about the importance of adopting clean cooking energy and moving away from traditional cooking methods.”
The workshop, held in Mbeya on November 10, 2025, brought together officers from Mbeya, Iringa, Songwe, Katavi, Rukwa, Njombe, and Ruvuma regions – all key areas in Tanzania’s forestry and agricultural production zones.
Nationwide drive toward clean energy access
Mr. Benezeth Kabunduguru, representing the Director for Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, said the training was part of a national initiative to ensure all regional and local coordinators are fully equipped to promote and oversee the clean cooking transition.
“Our objective is for every desk officer to have in-depth knowledge of clean cooking energy so they can effectively engage with communities and ensure progress toward our national target of 80 percent clean cooking access by 2034,” Mr. Kabunduguru explained.
He emphasised that the clean cooking agenda remains a national and global priority, crucial to addressing the environmental, health, and economic impacts of traditional biomass use. Trainings are being conducted in all 26 regions across the country, targeting different groups including local leaders, entrepreneurs, and community-based organisations.
Promoting investment and innovation in clean cooking
Meanwhile, Eng. Deusdedit Malulu, Senior Technical Adviser from the Rural Energy Agency (REA), urged officers to use the knowledge gained to promote investment opportunities within the clean cooking sector.
He highlighted several potential areas for public-private collaboration, including development and distribution of improved cookstoves; production of alternative charcoal and biomass briquettes and establishment of entrepreneurship groups that could qualify for REA grants to support small-scale clean energy businesses.
“Clean cooking is not only about health and the environment – it’s an emerging investment frontier that can create jobs and reduce energy poverty,” said Eng. Malulu.
Building a sustainable energy future
The Ministry’s clean cooking campaign forms part of Tanzania’s broader commitment to sustainable energy transition, in line with Vision 2050 and SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By empowering local officers to lead community education and outreach, the Ministry hopes to accelerate behavioural change, expand private-sector participation, and reduce the country’s dependence on unsustainable biomass fuels – paving the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more energy-secure Tanzania.
