Charcoal Sales Surge: Tanzania’s Energy Transition Challenges Revealed
Tanzania’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with recent data from the Bank of Tanzania revealing a dramatic increase in charcoal sales over the past three years.
The central bank’s economic report shows charcoal sales have more than doubled, rising from 3.5 billion to 7.6 billion in just two years. This substantial growth reflects critical challenges in the country’s energy sector, particularly in household cooking solutions.
Population growth and limited access to alternative energy sources are driving this surge. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains expensive and less accessible, pushing many households to continue relying on traditional charcoal.
The government is actively responding to these challenges through its National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, which aims to shift 80 percent of Tanzanians away from firewood and charcoal by 2034.
Key initiatives include:
– Subsidizing gas cylinders (50% for rural, 20% for urban households)
– Distributing improved cookstoves at discounted rates
– Preparing for bulk LPG importation to reduce prices
Notably, while charcoal sales have increased, firewood sales have declined from 165.1 million to 125.9 million during the same period.
Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that address affordability, infrastructure, and alternative production methods. The ongoing efforts highlight Tanzania’s complex journey towards sustainable and accessible clean energy solutions.
As the country continues to balance economic realities with environmental sustainability, the charcoal market remains a critical indicator of broader energy transition challenges.
