Tabora. The government, through the State Mining Corporation (Stamico), is planning to expand production of clean cooking fuel through the Rafiki Briquettes project as part of efforts to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy.
The initiative seeks to increase the use of clean cooking energy across several regions of the country and support the national target of reaching 86 percent clean energy usage by 2030.
Deputy Minister for Minerals, Steven Kiruswa, said the project would also create employment opportunities for more than 1,000 Tanzanians.
He made the remarks on March 12, 2026 in Tabora while briefing members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals during their inspection of projects overseen by the Ministry of Minerals.
Dr Kiruswa said Stamico had already procured four machines with the capacity to produce 20 tonnes of briquettes per hour.
The machines have been installed in Kiwira, Coast Region, Chigongwe in Dodoma Region and Kiloleni in Tabora Region.
He said the Tabora project would specifically encourage tobacco farmers to adopt clean cooking energy.
Farmers in the area have long relied on firewood, a practice that contributes to environmental degradation.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Subira Mgalu, commended Stamico for developing strategic and sustainable projects that contribute to the national economy.
She said the initiative also strengthens value addition and the broader mineral value chain.
Ms Mgalu urged the corporation to start production as soon as possible.
She also encouraged the opening of additional branches in other regions to accelerate the national clean energy agenda.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Msafiri Mbibo, thanked the committee for its recommendations aimed at improving the project.
He said the proposals would help strengthen employment opportunities and support the installation of production equipment.
Earlier, acting Stamico managing director Deusdedith Magala said the Rafiki Briquettes project across several regions is expected to employ more than 1,000 Tanzanians once fully operational.
The Rafiki Briquettes initiative forms part of broader national efforts to encourage the adoption of clean cooking energy and reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal.
