Paris | 18 February 2026 — Tanzania has more than tripled access to clean cooking energy within four years, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy transition agenda.
Speaking at a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, the Minister for Energy of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, announced that access to clean cooking solutions has increased from 6.9 percent in 2021 to 23.2 percent in 2025.
Minister Ndejembi attributed the progress to the Sixth Phase Government’s strategic commitment to expanding access to clean, safe, and affordable cooking energy. He emphasized that the transition supports public health protection, environmental conservation, and national economic growth.
The Minister noted that Tanzania has intensified efforts to expand clean cooking adoption as part of its broader sustainable development framework. He further highlighted that implementation of commitments from the first Africa Clean Cooking Energy Summit which mobilized USD 2.2 billion to support sector growth across the continent has contributed to accelerating national progress.
He stressed that sustainable results will depend on continued implementation and expanded coverage, particularly in rural communities where reliance on firewood and charcoal remains high.
Minister Ndejembi also referenced the launch of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034 by President H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in May 2024. The strategy aims to harmonize policies, regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms, and private sector engagement to scale clean energy adoption nationwide.
For the current fiscal year, the Government plans to distribute 200,000 improved cookstoves and 450,000 subsidized LPG cylinders. Additionally, pilot initiatives are being implemented to allow households to pay for electric cooking appliances through TANESCO utility bills, reducing upfront financial barriers.
The Minister further announced a policy directive prohibiting the use of firewood and charcoal in institutions serving more than 100 people including schools and health facilities as part of efforts to curb environmental degradation and reduce health risks linked to indoor air pollution.
The announcement positions Tanzania among Africa’s fastest-growing clean cooking transition markets, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy access and climate-resilient development.
