The Tanzanian government has promised full support to the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) in its push to provide clean, affordable cooking energy to the people. The move is aimed at helping reduce production costs for STAMICO’s Rafiki Briquettes, an eco-friendly cooking alternative made from compressed organic waste.
The government says this partnership will help make the clean fuel more accessible to households across the country, especially in low- and middle-income communities that still depend on charcoal and firewood for cooking.
Speaking during a visit to the STAMICO and Partners Village at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), the Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), Engr. Cyprian Luhemeja, said his office would collaborate with STAMICO to help cut production expenses and promote the use of sustainable cooking energy.
Engr. Luhemeja said, “My office will collaborate with STAMICO to reduce production costs, making this safe, sustainable cooking energy accessible to more Tanzanians, both rural and urban.”
He explained that the transition to clean cooking energy is necessary to protect the environment, reduce deforestation, and improve the health of Tanzanians, especially women and children, who are often exposed to smoke from traditional cooking fuels.
The Rafiki Briquettes are produced using waste materials like agricultural residue, which are compressed into blocks that burn longer than charcoal, without the harmful smoke. These briquettes offer a cleaner and healthier cooking option that can significantly reduce indoor air pollution.
STAMICO, a state-owned company best known for its work in mineral extraction, is now focusing on the energy sector as well. With support from the government, it aims to become a major player in the supply of clean cooking fuel in Tanzania.
Engr. Luhemeja noted that cost remains one of the biggest challenges in adopting cleaner energy. Most Tanzanians, especially those in rural areas, still rely on firewood because it is cheap, even though it comes with serious health and environmental risks. To solve this, he said the government will help STAMICO scale up production and expand distribution networks, making briquettes more affordable.
He added, “Helping STAMICO scale production and distribution of Rafiki Briquettes supports both environmental goals and public health.”
The Rafiki Briquette project is part of a wider national push to move away from biomass fuels, which contribute to deforestation and carbon emissions, and shift to more sustainable energy sources. The plan is in line with Tanzania’s National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, which promotes the use of cleaner energy options across the country.
According to experts, over 70% of households in Tanzania still cook with firewood or charcoal. The government hopes that, by promoting affordable alternatives like Rafiki Briquettes, more homes will switch to greener energy solutions.
This public-private partnership is expected to have long-term benefits not just for the environment, but for the economy and the health sector as well. Cleaner cooking options can lead to fewer respiratory diseases, especially among women who spend hours each day near cooking fires.
The 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, where the announcement was made, also showcased several innovations in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. STAMICO used the platform to educate visitors on the importance of clean cooking and demonstrate how the briquettes are made and used.
The Rafiki Briquette initiative is one of many programmes being launched as the Tanzanian government strengthens its focus on climate resilience, sustainable development, and affordable energy access for all.
