Tanzanian Vice President Urges Gas Companies to Lower Prices for Clean Energy Access

Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango has called on gas companies to reduce prices to make clean energy more accessible to the populace. This appeal was made during an environmental community forum in Dar es Salaam on May 31, 2024, ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

Access to clean energy is essential for environmental sustainability and reducing poverty. If gas companies reduce prices, it could lead to a significant increase in the adoption of clean energy solutions, benefiting the environment and the Tanzanian economy in the long run.

Mpango highlighted the financial burden on Tanzanians, citing a loss of around Sh36,000 (approximately $15 USD) per 15-kilogram gas cylinder sold in the country. He emphasized the importance of making clean cooking energy solutions affordable to reduce the reliance on charcoal and firewood, which are harmful to the environment.

"Life is energy. Nobody can live without energy. However, the biggest energy comes from the environment," said Mpango. He stressed the need for communities to adopt technologies that prevent environmental pollution.

The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) is engaging with dealers of clean cooking energy solutions to establish guidelines for joint ventures with foreign partners. This initiative aims to manufacture clean cooking appliances locally, reducing imports and promoting sustainable energy solutions within the country.

Shukuru Meena, project coordinator at the Tanzania Traditional Energy Development Organisation (Tatedo), noted, "The affordability of clean cooking appliances has remained a challenge for most households. We are currently discussing with TIC the provision of guidelines that will facilitate our partnership with foreign investors for the manufacturing of the appliances locally and at affordable prices."

The National Environmental Management Council (Nemc) and the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (Tafori) are also involved in advocating for the use of clean energy. Despite existing bylaws formulated by local government authorities, many cities and municipalities in Tanzania continue to struggle with waste management, underscoring the need for broader adoption of sustainable practices.

Research conducted in 2022/23 found that the usage of alternative and clean energy in Tanzania was below expectations. This highlights the urgent need for affordable and accessible clean energy solutions to alleviate energy poverty and promote environmental sustainability.

Mpango's call to action reflects a broader push by the Tanzanian government to increase investment in African energy and reduce dependence on foreign aid. As NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), stated, "Africa cannot be a continent where our budgets are left to donors. Every time we go begging to other countries for aid, the dignity of Africans suffers."

The efforts to make clean energy more accessible in Tanzania are part of a larger movement across Africa to harness natural resources and alleviate energy poverty. With significant reserves of natural gas and ongoing projects in countries like Mozambique and the Republic of Congo, the continent is set to make strides in energy development.

As Tanzania continues to push for affordable clean energy solutions, the collaboration between government bodies, foreign investors, and local organizations will be essential in achieving sustainable energy access for all Tanzanians.

Key Takeaways

• Tanzanian VP Philip Mpango calls on gas companies to reduce prices for clean energy.
• Affordable clean energy can reduce poverty and environmental harm in Tanzania.
• Tanzania aims to manufacture clean cooking appliances locally to reduce imports.
• The country seeks to increase investment in African energy and reduce foreign aid.
• Tanzania's efforts are part of a larger African movement to harness natural resources and alleviate energy poverty.