What's Happening?
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania announced substantial advancements in clean-cooking access within her country during a roundtable discussion at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya,
Turkey. She reported that access to clean cooking solutions in Tanzania has increased from 16% in 2022 to 28.6% by March 2024, with an anticipated rise to 35% by the end of 2026. This progress is attributed to various government initiatives, including rural electrification, reduced electricity tariffs for cooking, and subsidies for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) equipment. Additionally, tax incentives for clean-cooking technologies, collaborations with development partners, and private investments have played a crucial role. By March 2026, the government had facilitated the distribution of over 346,000 subsidized LPG cylinders, more than 49,000 induction stoves, and 7,000 electric cookers. The Cook Fund program, in partnership with development organizations, has also provided clean-cooking solutions to over 413,000 households, benefiting nearly two million people and supporting hundreds of local businesses and 45 public institutions.
Why It's Important?
The reported gains in clean-cooking access in Tanzania highlight a significant step towards improving public health, empowering women, and fostering economic development. The reliance on polluting fuels for cooking contributes to approximately 850,000 premature deaths annually in Africa, with women and children disproportionately affected by smoke exposure and the burden of collecting firewood. By expanding access to clean cooking, Tanzania is directly addressing these health and social challenges. Furthermore, the initiatives contribute to climate resilience by reducing greenhouse gas emissions; President Samia estimated a reduction of 3.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The success in Tanzania also serves as a model for other African nations grappling with similar issues, demonstrating that political leadership, coupled with effective policies and partnerships, can drive tangible progress in achieving clean energy goals. The emphasis on local businesses and public institutions also suggests a broader economic and social impact beyond individual households.
What's Next?
President Samia pledged to further strengthen Tanzania's national clean-cooking strategy by focusing on appropriate technologies, enhancing distribution networks, and attracting greater private investment, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is actively tracking the commitments made at the 2024 Paris clean-cooking summit, where US$2.2 billion was pledged, with approximately US$740 million already deployed. A further US$900 million has been mobilized since the inaugural summit, bringing total commitments to around US$3.1 billion. The next major event will be the second Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, scheduled for January 27–28, 2027, in Nairobi, Kenya. This summit aims to bring together governments, private investors, and development finance institutions to expand funding and delivery of clean-cooking solutions across the continent, with the IEA co-chairing the event with Kenyan President William Ruto.
Beyond the Headlines
The discussion at COP31 underscored that clean cooking is not merely an energy issue but a multifaceted investment in human development, women's empowerment, economic opportunity, and climate resilience. The disparity in access to clean cooking, with two billion people worldwide lacking it and four out of five African families still using polluting fuels, represents a major injustice. The continued reliance on traditional cooking methods also contributes to deforestation and generates approximately 1.2 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The call for sustained cooperation among governments, financiers, businesses, and communities, as well as the emphasis on country-led programs supported by accessible and affordable finance, highlights the need for a holistic approach. The experience of Lesotho, which considered household needs and national circumstances, including heating requirements in mountainous regions, suggests that solutions must be tailored and not treated as a uniform technological change, emphasizing the importance of local context and community involvement in policy-making and implementation.
