TANGSEN, in collaboration with UNDP Tanzania, successfully convened a high-level dialogue session in Dar es Salaam focused on Strengthening Gender-Responsive Outreach and Advocacy for Energy Efficiency.

The dialogue brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the private sector, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local Government Authorities, and officials from the Ministry of Energy Tanzania. The session provided an important platform for participants to exchange ideas, experiences, and recommendations on promoting inclusive and sustainable energy efficiency initiatives across Tanzania.

One of the key highlights of the event was a successful panel discussion on “Advancing Gender-Sensitive Approaches in the Implementation of the National Energy Efficiency Strategy (2024–2034).” The discussion generated valuable insights on how can we strengthen the gender-responsive approaches on the implementation of energy efficiency strategy in Tanzania and ensure equal participation and benefits for all members of society.

Speaking during the event, Eng. Joyce Msangi from the Ministry of Energy emphasized that the National Energy Efficiency Strategy was developed collaboratively with stakeholders and UNDP to promote efficient energy use in daily activities. She explained that efficient energy consumption will help save time, reduce energy costs, and improve the livelihoods and incomes of energy users across Tanzania.

She further stated “This dialogue gives us an opportunity to reflect on how the strategy can be implemented in a manner that is technically sound, inclusive, practical, and transformative. As we promote energy efficiency, we must also consider accessibility and affordability. Consumers must have the right information and strengthened skills through education, and we must continue supporting girls and young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and energy-related professions.”

Adding to the discussion, an official from the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Mr Spiradson Kagaba highlighted the importance of quality standards in promoting energy efficiency. The official noted that the standards established for improved cookstoves and other energy-efficient technologies are based on careful assessments and are designed to protect the interests of consumers, particularly women, while encouraging efficient and sustainable energy use.

The dialogue demonstrated a strong and collective commitment from stakeholders toward advancing gender inclusivity and meaningful participation in Tanzania’s energy sector. Through continued collaboration, advocacy, and awareness, the initiative contributes significantly to ensuring that energy efficiency policies and practices benefit all communities equally while supporting sustainable national development.

TANGSEN, in collaboration with Kibaha Town DC, conducted a field visit to women entrepreneurs engaged in poultry farming in Kibaha District, Pwani Region. The visit took place in Soga Ward, Vikuge Village, for the purpose of assessing the area of collaboration and supporting the of ongoing efforts to economically empower women involved in livestock and agribusiness activities by using some source of energy.

The visit brought together district officials from the Community Development Department participating with the approval of the District Director alongside TANGSEN technical staffs. The joint mission aimed to assess progress, strengthen collaboration, and identify opportunities to further support women-led enterprises through Productive Use of Energy (PUE).

During the visit, the team met members of the Lukundo Women Group, a group of five women entrepreneurs united by their shared investment in poultry farming and chick hatchery operations. The group operates modern hatchery machines powered by grid electricity to incubate and hatch eggs, demonstrating how reliable energy access can enhance productivity and business efficiency.

Lukundo Women Group established in 2022 and officially registered in 2023, its operations began with a single incubator machine capable of holding 15 trays at a time, producing more than 420 chicks per cycle. But due to the demand increase and market expanded, the group sought financial support from the district council and got a loan of TZS 10 million provided by the district, they were able to purchase two larger incubators with capacities of 500 and 700 eggs per cycle, significantly boosting their production capacity and income potential.

TANGSEN continues to work closely with local government authorities across the Coast Region to ensure that women entrepreneurs benefit from sustainable and productive energy solutions. Through such partnerships, the organization aims to enhance women’s income-generating opportunities, promote clean and reliable energy use, and contribute to inclusive local economic development.