Tanzania Reports Tripling of Clean Cooking Access at IEA High-Level Ministerial Dialogue

 

Tanzania has more than tripled access to clean cooking energy within four years, Energy Minister Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi announced at a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue convened by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

National access increased from 6.9% in 2021 to 23.2% in 2025, reflecting accelerated policy action aimed at expanding clean, safe and affordable cooking solutions. The transition supports improvements in public health, environmental sustainability and economic productivity.

Minister Ndejembi positioned clean cooking as a central pillar of Tanzania’s sustainable development agenda. Progress has been reinforced by continental collaboration following the first Africa Clean Cooking Energy Summit, which mobilized USD 2.2 billion in commitments to advance the sector across Africa.

He underscored that future gains will depend on scaling implementation, particularly in rural areas where reliance on biomass remains significant. Tanzania’s National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034, launched in May 2024 by President H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, provides the policy framework guiding regulatory reform, financing mechanisms and private-sector participation.

For the current fiscal year, the Government plans to distribute 200,000 improved cookstoves and 450,000 subsidized LPG cylinders. Pilot initiatives are also underway to enable households to finance electric cooking appliances through TANESCO utility bills, lowering upfront adoption costs.

In parallel, Tanzania has introduced institutional reforms, including a directive prohibiting the use of firewood and charcoal in public institutions serving more than 100 people — such as schools and health facilities — to reduce indoor air pollution and curb deforestation.

The announcement highlights Tanzania’s growing role in advancing clean cooking solutions as part of Africa’s broader energy transition.