In an effort to bolster the visibility and reach of the CookFund programme, a delegation comprising Mr. Peter Malika, Head of UNCDF Tanzania; Mr. Immanuel Muro, Programme Manager of CookFund; and Ms. Mariam Simba, UNCDF Communications Officer, recently paid a visit to Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation and met with Dr. Ayub Chacha Rioba, Director General of the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). This meeting, held in September 2023, marked a significant moment in the programme's journey of building awareness to encourage change for a cleaner future starting in the kitchen.

Expanding the Reach

A notable highlight of the visit was the announcement of the CookFund programme's expansion from its initial presence in 5 regions to now encompassing 7 regions across Tanzania. This strategic expansion is a testament to the program's commitment to reaching more communities, empowering entrepreneurs, and driving the adoption of clean cooking solutions in the country.

Alignment with Government Priorities

During the discussions, the CookFund team emphasised the programme's strong alignment with national government priorities. With Tanzania's goal of ensuring that 80% of households adopt clean cooking by 2033, the growth of enterprises and companies providing clean cooking technologies plays a central role in supporting this vision. It stands as an example of the public and private sectors coming together to address climate change mitigation.

The Cross-Cutting Nature of Financing

The meeting also delved into the cross-cutting nature of financing within the CookFund programme. Beyond its immediate impact of market development for end user adoption of clean cooking solutions, the programme's financing approach has far-reaching implications for sustainability and climate action. Discussions centred on how these financial mechanisms could pave the way for broader initiatives, including eligibility for carbon credits, further advancing the program's environmental and economic contributions.

A Global Outlook

The objectives of the CookFund programme go beyond addressing local challenges, the innovative financing models and sustainable practices serve as a beacon that can be replicated and adapted in other regions facing similar challenges. This global outlook positions the programme as a catalyst for change, inspiring collaborative efforts on a broader scale.

The visit to TBC was a spirited exchange of ideas and commitments. Dr. Ayub Chacha Rioba, Director General of TBC, acknowledged the programme's vital role in addressing pressing environmental concerns while also recognizing its potential to amplify its message through strategic media partnerships.

As the programme continues to evolve and expand its reach, collaborations with influential partners like media houses with a national reach are instrumental in disseminating vital information, fostering public awareness, and driving action toward a more sustainable and cleaner future.

Read more about UNCDF's CookFund Programme HERE.