Tanzania Gender and Sustainable Energy Network (TANGSEN), with support from ENERGIA International Secretariat (ENERGIA IS), continues to advance women’s economic empowerment by strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs engaged in poultry farming through innovative clean energy solutions.

Recently, TANGSEN conducted practical training for members of the Mlemaki Group in Mlegele Ward, Kisarawe District, focusing on the effective operation and management of solar-powered hatchery incubators. The training equipped participants with essential skills to maximize the use of the technology, improve hatch rates, increase poultry production, and enhance the profitability of their poultry enterprises.

The solar hatchery incubator, installed through the support of ENERGIA IS, is transforming traditional poultry farming by enabling women to produce chicks more efficiently and sustainably. By reducing dependence on unreliable energy sources and improving productivity, the technology is creating new opportunities for income generation and financial resilience among rural women.

Beyond providing access to technology, this initiative is contributing to broader efforts aimed at improving livelihoods, promoting economic independence, and strengthening the role of women in local economic development. For many participants, the solar hatchery incubator represents not only an agricultural innovation but also a pathway toward greater economic empowerment and self-reliance.

Recognizing that sustainable development requires inclusive participation, the training also engaged men from the community. Their active involvement highlighted the importance of shared responsibility and mutual support in household and community development. By encouraging collaboration between women and men, the initiative is helping to foster stronger families, more resilient livelihoods, and more prosperous communities.

Through initiatives such as this, TANGSEN remains committed to leveraging sustainable energy solutions to empower women entrepreneurs, create economic opportunities, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development across Tanzania.

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.