By Alfred Zacharia
In Oslo, Norway — Tanzania’s Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Yussuf Masauni, has met with Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, to discuss Tanzania’s climate commitments and strategies ahead of the upcoming COP30 summit.
The bilateral talks, held at the Norwegian Ministry’s headquarters in Oslo, focused on Tanzania’s participation in COP30 and joint efforts to address plastic waste.
Minister Masauni highlighted Tanzania’s ongoing actions to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
He noted that the country is advancing various policies and bans, particularly in the area of clean cooking energy.
“By 2034, we aim for 80 percent of Tanzanians to use clean cooking energy. We are fully committed to reducing the use of unsafe fuels,” said Minister Masauni.
He added that Tanzania’s President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is a global leader in the clean cooking energy agenda, both in Africa and worldwide.
Minister Masauni also informed his Norwegian counterpart that from 2024, Tanzania will ban the use of charcoal and firewood in institutions that cook for more than 100 people.
The government has also prohibited the use of plastic carrier bags and clearly defined the difference between bags and packaging materials.
On his part, Mr. Eriksen welcomed Tanzania’s efforts and said that COP30 would provide a unique opportunity for every country to present its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
“I believe that while some countries will have achieved their targets, others may still be lagging. COP30 will allow us to identify gaps and develop solutions,” said Mr. Eriksen.
He further expressed hope that strong international collaboration will help increase adaptation finance threefold.
“We need to triple the adaptation fund. That requires cooperation among nations,” he added.
Mr. Eriksen shared that Norway is already implementing projects through the framework of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
This framework supports integrated projects and helps create new opportunities for countries to work together on climate goals.
As Tanzania currently chairs the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), Mr. Eriksen encouraged the country to use this leadership role to help other nations recognize and seize opportunities available through Article 6.
Speaking on the growing problem of plastic waste, Mr. Eriksen stressed the need for a global approach.
“Plastic waste is increasing every day. Countries must come together to face this challenge. Deep discussions are needed,” he said.
The meeting marks another step in Tanzania’s diplomatic and environmental outreach as it prepares to actively participate in COP30 and global climate leadership.