The government, through the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), is scaling up efforts to expand clean cooking energy across Tanzania through the Rafiki Briquettes project. The initiative aims to increase national clean energy use to 86 percent by 2030.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, briefed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals during an inspection of projects managed by the Ministry of Minerals.
He said STAMICO has already procured four advanced production machines, each capable of producing 20 tons of briquettes per hour, installed in Kiwira (Pwani), Chigongwe (Dodoma), and Kiloleni (Tabora).
“In Tabora, we are focusing on encouraging tobacco farmers, who have long depended on firewood, to adopt clean energy,” Dr. Kiruswa said. “This will not only promote sustainable energy but also protect the environment.”
Committee Chairman Subira Mgalu commended STAMICO for its innovative and sustainable projects that integrate the entire minerals value chain.
He urged the corporation to accelerate production and open additional branches in other regions to achieve the national target of 86 percent clean energy consumption by 2030.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, thanked the committee for its constructive feedback, especially regarding job creation and the installation of production machinery.
Acting CEO of STAMICO, Deusdedith Magala, said the Rafiki Briquettes project is expected to create employment for over 1,000 Tanzanians while advancing clean energy use across the country.
The initiative marks a significant step toward promoting sustainable energy, generating jobs, and reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
