TANZANIA has made remarkable progress in expanding access to clean cooking energy, with the national access rate increasing from 6.9 percent in 2021 to 28.6 percent in 2025.
The more than fourfold increase reflects the impact of targeted government interventions, strong political commitment, and collaboration with development partners and the private sector.
Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Eng. Innocent Luoga, made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday during celebration of 13 years of the Energising Development (EnDev) Programme in Tanzania.
Eng Luoga said the progress demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment to ensuring access to clean, safe, and affordable cooking energy. He noted that under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, clean cooking has become a national priority and a key component of the country’s Vision 2050 and long-term development agenda.
He emphasized that the government’s National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034) aims to achieve 80 percent clean cooking access by 2034, while the National Energy Compact 2025–2030 targets 75 percent access by 2030.
These ambitions are supported by partnerships such as EnDev, implemented through collaboration between SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, the government and other stakeholders.
He said despite the progress, more than 70 percent of Tanzanians still rely on traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal. This dependence contributes to indoor air pollution, environmental degradation, and time burdens that disproportionately affect women and children.
The EnDev programme has addressed these challenges by promoting affordable and efficient cooking technologies, particularly the locally produced ‘Jiko Matawi’ cooking stove. The stoves reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent, improving household welfare while supporting forest conservation and climate mitigation efforts.
Between 2013 and 2026, the programme expanded access to solar lighting solutions for approximately 300,000 people and improved cooking solutions for about two million people through improved cooking stoves and eCooking technologies, the energy commissioner added.
He said the initiative has also supported the growth of over 120 ‘Jiko Matawi’ producers operating across 20 regions, creating employment and strengthening local entrepreneurship.
He commended the establishment of the National Matawi Stoves Association, reaffirming its commitment to creating an enabling environment for clean cooking through policy reforms, market development and increased access to finance.
“As Tanzania advances toward universal energy access, the achievements of EnDev provide a strong foundation for scaling clean energy solutions and improving the lives of millions of households across the country,” said Eng Luoga.
SNV Country Director, Mary Rauscher said that over the past decade, the Energising Development programme (EnDev) has expanded access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy to nearly two million people, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Rauscher added: “Through market-based approaches, EnDev has catalysed private sector growth, enabled local entrepreneurs and strengthened entire value chains, from clean cooking to off-grid solar solutions.”
She said sustainable development requires systems transformation in energy, agriculture and water sectors. She said the organization’s approach focuses on strengthening institutions, enabling inclusive markets and dealing with the roots of inequality.
“Gender equality and social inclusion remain central to everything we do, making certain that women, youth, and marginalised groups are not only stakeholders but also key drivers of change. Our ambition is to build on what works, to scale impact and to deepen collaboration by accelerating the transition to clean cooking, expanding access to renewable energy technologies and creating new opportunities for green jobs, entrepreneurship and climate resilience,” said the SNV boss.
