Harare. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has recognised Tanzania as a regional leader in the promotion and implementation of clean cooking energy solutions, commending President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her outstanding role in championing the agenda across Africa.
The praise was delivered on July 3, 2025, during a high-level meeting of Energy and Water Ministers and technical experts from eight SADC member states, convened in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The meeting aimed to strengthen regional integration in the energy and water sectors.
Speaking during the forum, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Judith Kapinga, reiterated the country’s commitment to advancing access to clean cooking energy.
She noted that the government continues to facilitate, promote, and raise awareness on the importance of clean cooking solutions, in line with the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034).
Ms Kapinga urged SADC member states to adopt deliberate policies and implementation frameworks to accelerate the clean cooking agenda.
She underscored the need for innovative approaches, such as promoting the use of alternative charcoal sources—like eco-friendly briquettes—to expand access and affordability.
She further called on the regional bloc to intensify public awareness and educational campaigns, emphasising that clean cooking energy must be mainstreamed into economic development strategies across the region.
During the session, SADC members also lauded Tanzania for successfully hosting the African Energy Ministers’ Summit (Mission 300 – M300) in Dar es Salaam, describing the event as a milestone in the continental pursuit of universal energy access.
In his remarks, Malawi’s Minister of Energy, Mr Ibrahim Matola, applauded President Samia’s bold leadership and unwavering advocacy in encouraging the adoption of clean cooking energy among Tanzanians.
