The Ministry of Energy and its affiliated institutions are participating in the ongoing Kizimkazi Festival, taking place in the village of Kizimkazi, Southern District, in the Southern Region of Zanzibar.
During the festival, the Ministry and its agencies provide education on the implementation of the 2015 National Energy Policy and delivered services to the public, with a particular focus on the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Strategy for the period 2024-2034.
At the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) booth, visitors experienced firsthand the processes involved in natural gas extraction, transportation, and processing through Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
“The use of VR has allowed us to bring the reality of our operations closer to the public. We hope this engagement will enhance understanding and support for our activities in the oil and gas sector,” said a TPDC representative.
Similarly, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) booth attracted significant attention with its demonstration of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) using Virtual Reality.
"The JNHPP is a monumental project for Tanzania, and through this technology, we are able to showcase its impact on the nation’s energy future,” explained a TANESCO official.
They also provided education on the role TANESCO plays in promoting the use of clean cooking energy by educating the public on efficient electricity usage.
In the Rural Energy Agency (REA) booth, citizens received direct services related to Clean Cooking Energy through partners involved in the distribution and development of the relevant technology.
“We are committed to ensuring that rural areas are not left behind in the transition to clean energy,” said a REA spokesperson. “Our goal is to provide accessible and sustainable energy solutions to every corner of the country.”
Other participating institutions under the Ministry of Energy included the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) and the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), both of which offered public education on regulatory activities.
“Our role is to ensure that the energy sector operates within the regulatory frameworks that safeguard public interest,” noted an EWURA official.
The Ministry of Energy is scheduled to hold a special Energy Day during the Kizimkazi Festival, featuring a Clean Cooking Energy Symposium that will bring together various stakeholders. The event will be graced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko. “This symposium is a critical step in advancing the national agenda for clean cooking energy, and we look forward to productive discussions,” stated Dr. Biteko in a pre-event briefing.
The Kizimkazi Festival was officially launched on August 18, 2024, by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council of Zanzibar, Hon. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. The festival's theme is "Safe Cooking for the Health of the Cook and Community Development."