TANZANIA in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and other development partners, have officially launched the national clean cooking communications strategy and awareness campaign.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Dotto Biteko, emphasised the crucial role of public awareness in achieving national clean energy goals.

He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made clean cooking a national development priority, saying the launch of the communications strategy reaffirms government commitment to reaching every Tanzanian with a message of change.

“Without awareness, there can be no adoption. This campaign is a call to action, inviting households, communities, and institutions to embrace clean, modern energy solutions.” He said.

“The awareness campaign will unfold in stages—starting with nationwide media outreach, followed by community engagement, school-based education, and live market demonstrations.

Our goal is to build an enabling environment where knowledge drives behavior change, and that behavior change creates demand. This is a ten-year journey beginning today, with every ward and village as a target. We are fully committed to mobilising leadership at all levels to ensure the clean cooking message reaches every corner of the country.”*

The launch represents a major milestone in the nation’s commitment to achieving 80percent adoption of clean cooking solutions by 2034, as outlined in the national clean cooking strategy 2024–2034.

The event brought together over 250 participants, including senior government officials, local government authorities, development partners, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), financial institutions, academic and research institutions, media professionals, and civil society organisations.

Their presence underscores a growing national consensus that clean cooking is not only essential for public health, but also for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and gender equity.

The decade-long campaign will adopt a comprehensive, multi-channel approach tailored to reach Tanzania’s diverse population. It will utilize mass media outlets such as radio, television, and print; conduct grassroots outreach through local events, roadshows, and school programs; expand its digital footprint through social media, SMS, and mobile apps; and partner with local influencers, educators, religious leaders, and community-based organisations.

This integrated approach is designed to ensure sustained public engagement, shift social norms, and drive widespread adoption of clean cooking solutions at both household and community levels.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Lamine Diallo, head of natural resources unit, emphasised the importance of inclusive education and access:

“Awareness is not a luxury; it is the foundation of transformation. The EU is proud to support this vital campaign alongside the government of Tanzania. Our shared goal is to ensure that families—regardless of location or income—understand the health, environmental, and economic benefits of clean cooking, and have access to viable, affordable solutions.

Imanuel Muro, senior finance specialist at UNCDF, highlighted the strategy’s broader implications for market development and community resilience:

“We see communication as a powerful tool for empowerment. This strategy goes beyond awareness—it seeks to strengthen market systems, support clean cooking enterprises, and empower households to make informed, confident choices. Its success will be measured not just in awareness, but in real, measurable improvements in people’s lives.” He said.

The launch marks the beginning of a sustained national movement toward ‘Clean Cooking for All’—a vital step toward a healthier, greener, and more inclusive Tanzania.