By Business Insider Correspondent
In a proactive effort to promote clean energy usage and align with Tanzania’s broader environmental and economic goals, Lazaro Twange, Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), has intensified advocacy for electric cooking in the Lake Zone regions.
His recent visit to Shinyanga, Simiyu, Mwanza and surrounding districts included distributing energy-efficient electric cookstoves to regional and district government leaders as part of a campaign to boost awareness and adoption of clean cooking technologies.
Twange emphasised that cooking with electricity is not only affordable but also safer and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional biomass fuels, which contribute significantly to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and health risks. The distribution of advanced “smart” cookstoves that consume minimal electricity serves as a practical demonstration aimed at dispelling fears and misconceptions about electric cooking costs among Tanzanians.
“Although TANESCO remains committed to expanding reliable electricity access, it is equally important to implement President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s agenda to encourage the use of clean energy for cooking. We have given these smart stoves to government leaders so they can experience firsthand the affordability and efficiency of electric cooking. These leaders will then serve as ambassadors to educate and influence the wider population,” Twange said.
The initiative targets key officials including Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Anamringi Macha, Simiyu Regional Commissioner Kenani Kihongosi, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Saidi Mtanda, Nyamagana District Commissioner Amina Makilagi and Shinyanga District Commissioner Wakili Julius Mtatiro.
Shinyanga Commissioner Mtatiro praised TANESCO’s campaign as a crucial step toward transforming public awareness on clean energy.
“We appreciate receiving these cookstoves. We will use them in community meetings to demonstrate the benefits of clean cooking. Our people are hardworking and trustworthy; I am confident they will understand and adopt this technology when they see it in action,” he said.
The MD’s Lake Zone tour also included inspections of ongoing electricity generation projects aimed at expanding Tanzania’s power supply capacity, reinforcing the connection between improved electricity infrastructure and sustainable development goals.
With increasing urbanisation and a growing middle class, Tanzania faces a rising demand for modern energy solutions. TANESCO’s campaign to promote electric cooking aligns with national efforts to reduce reliance on polluting fuels, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
As Tanzania embraces clean cooking, the program is expected to create economic opportunities by stimulating demand for electric appliances and reducing healthcare costs related to smoke exposure.
TANESCO’s leadership in this initiative highlights the critical role of public utilities in driving sustainable energy transitions in Africa’s emerging markets.
In a nutshell
Electric Cookstove Efficiency: The distributed smart cookstoves use significantly less electricity compared to traditional electric stoves, making them cost-effective for households.
Health Impact: Clean cooking with electricity reduces indoor air pollution, decreasing respiratory illnesses linked to biomass fuel use.
Environmental Benefits: Switching to electric cooking helps reduce deforestation and carbon emissions caused by charcoal and firewood burning.
Government Leadership: The campaign involved top regional and district leaders in the Lake Zone, including five commissioners who received cookstoves for public demonstrations.
Economic Potential: Increased adoption of electric cooking appliances could stimulate local markets, create jobs, and reduce healthcare costs related to pollution.
TANESCO’s Expansion: The MD’s visit included inspections of new electricity generation projects aimed at improving supply reliability and capacity in the region.National Alignment: The campaign supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s agenda for clean energy adoption and sustainable development.
