The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, in collaboration with the European Union, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and other development partners, officially launched the National Clean Cooking Communications Strategy and Awareness Campaign today in Dodoma.
This marks a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious efforts to achieve 80% adoption of clean cooking solutions by 2034, in line with the goals outlined in the National Clean Cooking Strategy 2024–2034.
The launch event convened over 250 participants, representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders including senior government officials, local government authorities, development partners, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), financial institutions, academic and research bodies, media professionals, and civil society organizations. Their collective presence reflects the growing national consensus that clean cooking is essential not only for public health, but for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and gender equity.
Delivering the keynote address, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Dr. Dotto Mashaka Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, underscored the importance of awareness in achieving national clean energy targets:
“Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made clean cooking a national development priority. The launch of this Communications Strategy reaffirms our 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 further elaborated on the campaign’s roadmap and next steps:
“The awareness campaign will roll out in phases—beginning with nationwide media messaging, followed by community outreach, school-based education, and market demonstrations. Our aim is to create an enabling environment where knowledge leads to behavior change, and behavior change drives demand. This is a ten-year journey that starts today, with every ward and village as a target audience. We are committed to mobilizing leadership at all levels to ensure the message of clean cooking reaches every corner of the country.”
The ten-year national awareness campaign will deploy a comprehensive and multi-channel approach to reach diverse audiences across the country. It will leverage mass media outlets such as radio, television, and print; engage communities directly through local outreach events, roadshows, and school-based programs; utilize digital platforms including social media, SMS, and mobile apps; and foster strategic partnerships with local influencers, religious leaders, educators, and grassroots institutions. This integrated approach is designed to generate sustained public engagement, shift perceptions, and drive the widespread adoption of clean cooking solutions at the household and community levels.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Mr. Lamine Diallo, Head of Natural Resources, Unit emphasized the role of inclusive education and access:
“Awareness is not a luxury; it is the foundation of transformation. The EU is proud to support this critical campaign alongside the Government of Tanzania. Our shared goal is to ensure that families regardless of geography or income, understand the health, environmental, and economic benefits of clean cooking, and have access to viable, affordable solutions. The Communications Strategy is key to making this transformation equitable and sustainable.”
Mr. Imanuel Muro, Senior Finance Specialist at UNCDF, highlighted the campaign’s deeper implications for market systems and community resilience:
“We see communication as a powerful tool for empowerment. This strategy goes beyond messaging, it aims to transform markets, support clean cooking enterprises, and enable households to make informed, confident decisions. Its success will be measured not just in awareness, but in tangible improvements in people’s lives.”
The launch marks the beginning of a sustained national movement toward clean cooking for all, a critical step toward a healthier, greener, and more inclusive Tanzania. As the campaign begins to unfold, the Government and its partners call on all stakeholders public and private to join hands in turning awareness into action and ambition into everyday impact.
