FIFTY food vendors in Morogoro Region have been provided with essential training and clean cooking energy tools to promote sustainable practices.

This is part of Taifa Gas Company's initiative to support President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s ongoing drive to promote clean energy across Tanzania.

During the handover event, the traders received gas stoves, cylinders, and fuel under soft conditions.

Angellah Bhoke, Taifa Gas corporate affairs manager said the initiative is designed to help the entrepreneurs adopt clean energy solutions in their businesses, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

“This initiative is part of Taifa Gas’s broader effort to reduce reliance on traditional cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood, which are harmful to health and the environment. By facilitating the transition to LPG, we aim to set an example of how young people can engage in sustainable practices while running their businesses,” she explained.

The food vendors received complete 38kg LPG sets and stoves in July 2023, under a flexible payment plan from Taifa Gas.

“Through this innovative credit programme, Taifa Gas is not only empowering the youth of Morogoro but also setting an example of how businesses can contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation while enhancing the livelihoods of local communities,” Bhoke added.

One year on, the beneficiaries are completing their payments with a changed perspective on clean energy use.

“I don’t think any of us would want to return to using firewood or charcoal after this transformation. For me, it's been a year of significant change. I used to spend between 70,000/- and 75,000/- on charcoal, but now almost 90 percent of my cooking is done with gas,” said 31-year-old Issa Sudi, a beneficiary at the Msamvu market in Morogoro.

Sudi, who has been a food vendor at the Msamvu market for nearly 9 years, views the push towards clean energy as a positive step.

He is joined by fellow young food vendors like Neema Mnokela, Shadrack Michael, Mawazo Cosmas, and Sharia Mpishi, who have become role models in their community by embracing clean energy solutions.

“The use of LPG has made meal preparation more efficient, significantly reducing cooking times and operational costs. Additionally, this shift has decreased our exposure to harmful smoke and fumes from traditional fuels, improving our health,” said Mnokela.

Since the launch of the clean cooking agenda by President Samia in 2022, Taifa Gas has invested an estimated 2bn/-under its Corporate Social Investment programme to support the campaign’s sustainability.

The company has also expanded its network of depots across the country and maintained a robust transport system to ensure LPG reaches all regions.