The Government of Tanzania, with financial support from the European Union and technical support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund, has accelerated the adoption of modern clean cooking solutions in more than 45 schools and public institutions across the country. Over 62,000 students have benefited from the installation of more than 170 new stoves, resulting in cleaner and safer kitchens while curbing deforestation by reducing demand for wood and charcoal.

At an official handover ceremony held on 26 March 2026 at Bunge Primary School in Tanzania’s economic hub and port city of Dar es Salaam, Deputy Minister of Energy Hon. Salome Makambal led proceedings, highlighting that clean cooking solutions protect people and the environment and are a national priority.

“The transition to clean cooking is a strategic national priority that advances environmental protection, public health, and economic efficiency. By equipping our schools and public institutions with modern cooking technologies, we are protecting our forests, reducing emissions, and improving learning environments for our children. The government will continue working with development partners to expand clean cooking access in line with the National Clean Cooking Strategy (2024–2034),” said Hon. Salome Makamba speaking before a crowd of assembled students, teachers and EU and UNCDF representatives.

Tanzania’s investments in clean cooking solutions are led by the Ministry of Energy, which has guided public institutions that feed more than 100 people per day, which includes many schools, to shift from wood and charcoal cooking stoves toward modern, sustainable energy solutions. Action on clean cooking is aligned with broader national priorities to curb deforestation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve operational efficiency in public service institutions. Wood and charcoal fuel produce harmful fine particulate matter that is linked to an array of health risks including asthma and lung cancer.

The CookFund Programme, which is funded by the EU, supports the transition from traditional biomass cooking to improved energy-efficient technologies including briquette-powered stoves, electric pressure cookers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These technologies are expected to reduce pressure on forest resources, improve kitchen air quality, and enhance the health and safety of students and staff. To date, 45 institutions have upgraded their cooking systems, of which the majority are in primary and secondary schools.

The EU reaffirmed its long-term partnership with the Government of Tanzania in advancing clean cooking solutions.

“The European Union is deeply committed to advancing climate action worldwide, and Tanzania is no exception. This initiative is one of many ways we are helping Tanzania transition to cleaner energy solutions. Through EU support, communities are adopting sustainable practices that protect the planet while simultaneously driving economic growth, creating local jobs, and bringing reliable and sustainable energy to schools, businesses and households” said Marc Stalmans, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation in Tanzania.

Peter Malika, Chief Technical Advisor at UNCDF, noted that alongside the CookFund support to 45 public institutions across 14 districts in Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Mwanza the programme has also invested $10.1 million in more than 100 small and medium enterprises.

“These clean cooking solutions are reducing reliance on charcoal and firewood while creating safer, healthier, and more efficient kitchens for schools,” said Peter Malika, Chief Technical Advisor at UNCDF. “The CookFund is proving that modern energy technologies can transform public institutions and directly enhance the learning environment for thousands of students.”

These efforts are already benefiting more than 62,000 students, with expansion ongoing. The programme is expected to reach over 100 public institutions, of which approximately 95 percent will be primary and secondary schools.

Overall, the programme has delivered tangible and transformative results, contributing to the creation of 27,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, while supporting nearly 5,000 businesses along the clean cooking value chain. It has reached over 480,000 households, expanding access to cleaner and more efficient cooking solutions, and helped avoid 3,900,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions. These achievements underscore the programme’s significant contribution to sustainable development, improved livelihoods, and climate action in Tanzania.