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| Finance Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
The
Minister of Finance of Tanzania, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba (MP), has called on
African nations to explore strategies for improving their economies and the
livelihoods of their citizens through the adoption of clean cooking energy.
This initiative, he emphasized, would also help mitigate the impacts of climate
change caused by environmental degradation.
Dr.
Nchemba delivered this message in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on behalf of
Tanzanian President, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, while addressing the Annual
General Shareholders Meeting (GSM) of Africa50 and the Infra for Africa Forum.
These
gatherings, which took place at the Ivato International Conference Center on
September 19, 2024, were inaugurated by Madagascar's President, Hon. Andry
Rajoelina. Tanzania is a member of Africa50, an institution dedicated to
infrastructure development across the continent.
In
his speech, Dr. Nchemba urged African countries to invest in public education
on the importance of using clean cooking energy and highlighted the economic
and social benefits of environmental conservation. He stressed that clean
energy solutions could contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth
and improved social welfare.
As
well, Dr. Nchemba called on financial institutions and the private sector to
join the campaign for clean cooking energy. He specifically encouraged
investments in technologies such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solar power,
geothermal energy, and biogas, suggesting that these sectors need financial
support and investment in the production of energy-efficient cooking
appliances.
Accompanying
Dr. Nchemba on the trip were Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Finance
Management, Ms. Amina Khamis Shaaban, and Tanzania’s Ambassador to Madagascar,
Hon. Faustine Kasike.
The
Africa50 Shareholders Meeting is a significant platform that brings together
various stakeholders from Africa and beyond, including public and private
investors, lenders, and infrastructure experts. Participants seek solutions to
Africa’s infrastructure challenges, address the effects of climate change, and
promote the use of clean energy to stimulate economic development across the
continent.