Oryx: Investment, awareness key to clean energy drive

ZANZIBAR: ORYX Gas Zanzibar has stated that continued investment in clean cooking infrastructure and public awareness is essential in accelerating the transition to clean energy and reducing reliance on traditional cooking fuels.

Speaking during a clean energy forum held as part of the Kizimkazi Festival, which ran from August 12 to 14, Oryx Gas Zanzibar General Manager Shuwekha Khamis said the company has been working with government institutions and other stakeholders to support the transition to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

She said Oryx made significant progress in promoting LPG use in Zanzibar, including supporting institutions to switch from traditional fuels to cleaner alternatives.

The company distributed 250 free LPG cooking gas cylinders to residents during the Kizimkazi Festival as part of efforts to promote clean cooking, in line with the government’s target of ensuring 80 per cent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.

Ms Khamis said Oryx supported the transition to LPG in 25 schools and six camps of the Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi (JKU) in Unguja and Pemba.

She said the company, in collaboration with the Mwanamke Initiative Foundation, also supported the conversion of Kiinua Mguu Prison, two police stations, 12 health centres and several government and other offices to LPG.

Ms Khamis said the progress demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government and other stakeholders in accelerating the adoption of clean cooking energy.

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She said Zanzibar made significant progress in the use of clean cooking energy, with the proportion of users rising from about six per cent in 2020 to more than 30 per cent in 2025.

She attributed the progress to increased public awareness and joint efforts by the government, private sector and other stakeholders.

Oryx Gas Zanzibar is also exploring plans to promote LPG-powered generators in hotels and industries across the Isles as part of efforts to expand the use of cleaner energy.

Ms Khamis said continued investment in clean cooking infrastructure, wider access to LPG and public awareness would be crucial to sustaining the transition and reducing dependence on traditional cooking fuels.