NISHATI DAY: FROM SMOKE TO SOLUTIONS AT KIZIMKAZI FESTIVAL 2026 DRIVING THE CLEAN COOKING REVOLUTION IN ZANZIBAR
Kizimkazi, Zanzibar | 11 August 2026 Kizimkazi Festival 2026 came alive with a powerful call for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future during NISHATI DAY, an initiative hosted by Mwanamke Initiatives Foundation (MIF) under the theme “From Smoke to Solutions: Clean Cooking for Every Meal.”
The event brought together government leaders, clean-energy stakeholders, exhibitors, experts, community members and development actors to explore the importance of clean cooking and its impact on health, livelihoods, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
The event was honoured by the presence of Hon. Deogratius John Ndejembi, Minister for Energy, who served as the Guest of Honour and joined stakeholders in highlighting the importance of accelerating Tanzania’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
A major highlight of NISHATI DAY was the exhibition space, where exhibitors showcased innovative products, technologies and practical solutions designed to support the adoption of clean energy and cleaner cooking practices. The exhibition provided an opportunity for communities to interact directly with innovators and understand how clean-energy solutions can be integrated into everyday life.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion, bringing together experts and stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges surrounding clean cooking. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger awareness, accessible technologies, collaboration and community-driven solutions to accelerate the transition away from traditional cooking practices.
In her address, MIF Chairperson, Hon. Wanu Hafidh Ameir, reflected on the Foundation’s work and the transformation that clean cooking initiatives have brought to communities. Her message emphasised that clean cooking is not simply about changing the way people prepare meals it is about transforming lives.
For MIF, the clean-cooking agenda is deeply connected to its broader mission of empowering communities. Through its Upishi Salama programme, the Foundation has worked to reduce reliance on charcoal and firewood while promoting cleaner and safer cooking alternatives. MIF has reported that the programme has supported 2,000 households in transitioning to cleaner cooking solutions and reached more than 4,000 community members through awareness campaigns, advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.
MIF has also recorded significant community-level progress. In Kisiwa Panza, Pemba, the Foundation reports distributing more than 800 gas cylinders to households, achieving what it describes as 100% clean-cooking coverage in the community.
These interventions demonstrate how clean cooking can go beyond energy access to address some of the challenges faced by women and families including exposure to smoke, the time and burden associated with collecting traditional fuels, environmental degradation and limited economic opportunities.
NISHATI DAY therefore served not only as an event, but as a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collective action.
As Zanzibar and Tanzania continue their journey towards sustainable development, MIF remains committed to ensuring that women, youth and communities are not merely beneficiaries of the clean-energy transition, but active participants and leaders in shaping it.
From Smoke to Solutions.
From Awareness to Action.
From Energy Challenges to Sustainable Opportunities.
🔥 Clean cooking is more than a change in fuel. It is a pathway to healthier families, empowered women, stronger communities and a sustainable future.
