Dar es Salaam, 2 June, 2023: Enterprises in the clean cooking solutions value chain will have an opportunity to scale their businesses through the European Union (EU) funded CookFund programme in the regions of Pwani, Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Dodoma. The funding by the EU falls under the broader ‘Integrated Approach to Sustainable Clean Cooking Solutions Program in Tanzania’ and the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). As implementing partners, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is collaborating with UNIDO for the accelerated market rollout of clean cooking solutions to mitigate climate change impacts resulting from deforestation and harmful cooking practices.

The Head of UNCDF Tanzania, Peter Malika said,

"through the CookFund programme, we are stimulating market development of clean cooking solutions with a focus on ensuring affordability and accessibility for the end user and sustainability of the market."

The second call for applications will run through 30 September 2023 with over TZS 10 billion in grants available to scale up the production and distribution of clean cooking solutions for qualifying businesses, ultimately providing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional cooking methods.

UNCDF Tanzania, as the implementing partner, will oversee the selection process and disbursement of funds to successful enterprises and business development services as required. Leveraging their specialized expertise and experience in sustainable development finance, UNCDF Tanzania will ensure transparent and accountable management of the CookFund programme, maximizing its impact in the transition to clean cooking solutions.

The CookFund programme supports the government’s ambitious plans to increase access to clean energy and clean cooking solutions in urban areas, aiming for 80% usage of clean cooking solutions by 2033.