Transforming Tanzania’s Cooking Landscape: A Path to Clean Cooking Solutions

Chef Iddi Salum showcasing a sample briquette to Joyce Msangi, the Coordinator of the CookFund Programme Investment Committee from the Ministry of Energy, during a committee meeting held in the Morogoro region . The clean cooking stoves were provided as part of the European Union-funded CookFund Programme support to public institutions, which aims to promote clean, efficient, and sustainable cooking technologies.

By Our Correspondent

TANZANIA is at a critical juncture in its energy transition, with a growing emphasis on clean cooking solutions to address environmental, economic, and public health challenges. The nation’s reliance on biomass fuels—firewood and charcoal—has long been unsustainable, with deforestation, carbon emissions, and adverse health impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

The CookFund Programme, a five-year, €19.4 million initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) , has been instrumental in shaping Tanzania’s clean cooking energy mix. By supporting businesses engaged in the production, importation, distribution, and retail of clean cooking solutions, CookFund aims to increase the adoption of clean cooking technologies in urban areas of Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Mwanza. In addition, the programme supports environmental management plans as mitigation measures to against charcoal production practices in Tabora and Tanga regions, as the nation embarks on its clean cooking strategy 2024 – 2034.

This article explores the significance of an energy mix in ensuring an inclusive and sustainable transition to clean cooking in Tanzania, focusing on the role of LPG, electricity, and bioethanol, presenting unique advantages and constraints in the country’s urban and peri-urban contexts.

Globally, access to clean cooking fuels remains a pressing issue. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 2.3 billion people worldwide lack access to clean cooking, leading to severe health consequences due to household air pollution. Sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected, with Tanzania being no exception.

In Tanzania, out of a population of approximately 62 million, over 90% of Tanzanians still rely on biomass, which contributes to deforestation and indoor air pollution. The government has committed to reversing this trend through measures such as the National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034) and initiatives like the African Women Clean Cooking Support Programme (AWCCSP).

LPG has gained traction as an alternative to biomass due to its efficiency, convenience, and lower emissions. However, affordability remains a significant barrier. The smallest LPG cylinder (6 kg) costs up to TZS 45,000, making it difficult for lower-income households with seasonal incomes to adopt it consistently. Strengthening supply chains and expanding financing options, such as pay-as-you-go models, are essential for increasing accessibility.

With over 84% of Tanzania now connected to electricity, electric cooking has become a viable alternative. In urban areas, particularly Dar es Salaam, over 82% of households have grid access according to Tanzania Rural Energy Agency 2022 data. Electric pressure cookers (EPCs) offer efficiency and cost savings over time, but high upfront costs and reliability concerns regarding power supply in some peri-urban areas need to be addressed. Ensuring a stable and affordable electricity tariff for cooking will be key in promoting its adoption.

Bioethanol provides a locally produced and sustainable clean cooking option. Derived from sugar production waste, it supports circular economy principles and reduces reliance on imported fuels. However, taxation on bioethanol and inconsistent availability have slowed its uptake. Advocacy for policy changes, including tax relief, can help make bioethanol a more attractive option for urban consumers.

Transitioning to a clean cooking energy mix can lead to significant cost savings for households and institutions. Institutions especially public secondary schools, that have adopted clean cooking solutions under the CookFund Programme report improved efficiency and reduced time spent on fuel collection and cooking meals for students.

Additionally, the clean cooking sector fosters job creation. From stove production to fuel distribution, the CookFund Programme has catalyzed employment across the value chain. So far, 61 grantees have been awarded over TZS 13.4 billion in grants, directly supporting business expansion and job growth.

The adoption of cleaner fuels significantly reduces carbon emissions. For instance, switching from charcoal to LPG or electricity can cut emissions by over 60%. Additionally, a diversified energy mix reduces deforestation, mitigating the loss of Tanzania’s forests—an issue exacerbated by the country’s reliance on charcoal, with Dar es Salaam consuming over 50% of all charcoal produced nationally.

Scaling clean cooking in Tanzania requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses awareness, market dynamics, and infrastructure development. Public perception and cooking habits are deeply ingrained, making large-scale awareness and behavior change campaigns essential in shifting cultural norms and promoting the benefits of clean cooking, particularly in major cities like Dar es Salaam. Strengthening private sector involvement is also crucial, with the CookFund Programme fostering a market-enabling environment that supports businesses in scaling operations. Policy advocacy, including tax incentives on bioethanol and LPG, plays a key role in making clean cooking solutions more affordable. Additionally, continued investments in energy infrastructure will further drive adoption, particularly by expanding electricity access to peri-urban areas and ensuring a stable grid supply, which will facilitate wider use of electric cooking appliances.

Tanzania’s energy transition requires a balanced and inclusive approach. A well-integrated clean cooking energy mix, leveraging LPG, electricity, and bioethanol, addresses economic, environmental, and accessibility challenges. While affordability and infrastructure limitations remain obstacles, strategic partnerships and targeted interventions under initiatives like the CookFund Programme driving awareness, supporting private sector innovation, and strengthening policy frameworks, Tanzania can accelerate the transition to clean cooking, ensuring improved health outcomes, economic benefits, and environmental conservation for its people.