STAMICO’s clean energy revolution: Tanzania’s path to greener, Push for government oversight on quality of clean energy appliances

TANZANIA: TANZANIA is cooking up a sustainable future-quite literally-and at the heart of this transformation is a clean, innovative energy solution: Rafiki Briquettes.

Spearheading this revolution is the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), which, under the guidance of its Executive Director Dr Venance Mwasse, is showing the country the way forward in providing clean and safe cooking alternatives.

Recently, this vision was celebrated at the 109th training meeting for producers of Public Education Programmes (WASHITIRI), hosted by the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and chaired by STAMICO in Mbeya Region.

It was here that Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr Philip Mpango, took the stage to commend the corporation for its groundbreaking work and reinforce the country’s commitment to transforming the way Tanzanians cook-making it cleaner, healthier and more environmentally friendly.

Dr Mpango’s praise of STAMICO was not just ceremonial; it underscored a significant shift in the way the country views energy consumption, particularly in the kitchen.

Cooking with firewood and charcoal, long-time staples in Tanzanian homes, has been both a health and environmental concern.

The toxic smoke from traditional cooking methods contributes to respiratory illnesses, while the constant demand for firewood and charcoal has led to deforestation and environmental degradation.

But STAMICO, with its innovative Rafiki Briquettes, made from coal, is turning this negative cycle around.

These briquettes offer a cleaner, safer cooking alternative and Dr Mpango couldn’t have been more enthusiastic in highlighting their importance.

“STAMICO’s efforts are not just about cleaner cooking methods; they are about paving the way for a sustainable energy future in Tanzania,” Dr Mpango remarked at the event.

“By investing in these clean alternatives, STAMICO has not only improved public health but is also securing a greener environment for future generations.” The Vice-President’s remarks were not just about applauding STAMICO’s achievements; they also laid the groundwork for the government’s broader commitment to clean energy solutions.

“The government is fully committed to promoting clean cooking energy for the betterment of public health and the environment.

Our goal is to ensure that by 2034, at least 80 per cent of Tanzanians will be using cleaner cooking options like natural gas, solar energy and Rafiki Briquettes,” Dr Mpango declared, adding that this ambitious goal would require both government action and public participation.

To demonstrate this commitment, the government has already taken significant steps to phase out the use of firewood and charcoal in public institutions.

Dr Mpango proudly pointed out that 506 institutions, those serving more than 100 people daily, have already transitioned to using clean cooking energy.

These institutions are now setting an example for others to follow. The Vice-President stressed that it’s critical for other institutions to speed up this process, as it directly impacts both health and the environment.

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“We want everyone to get on board quickly,” Dr Mpango urged, emphasising that the government’s efforts to ensure these changes succeed will benefit the nation as a whole.

Beyond government mandates, STAMICO is also making strides to engage the private sector and local communities in this transformation.

As Dr Mwasse shared with the audience, STAMICO has undergone significant reforms, enabling the corporation to generate an impressive 85bn/-annually.

The funds raised have been reinvested into expanding the production capacity of Rafiki Briquettes. Thanks to the acquisition of new machinery, STAMICO can now produce 20 tonnes of these clean briquettes every single day.

This increase in production is good news for both the economy and the environment, as it means more alternative cooking fuel and fewer trees felled for firewood. But STAMICO’s commitment goes beyond just production.

The corporation is also empowering local communities, especially women, through a partnership with the Samia Women’s Institute.

This collaboration has resulted in the creation of a nationwide distribution network for Rafiki Briquettes, spanning across 20 regions of mainland Tanzania and even into Zanzibar.

The partnership is helping women become active players in the clean energy sector, providing them with new business opportunities and a source of income.

At the event, Dr Mpango took the opportunity to recognise and reward those who have been instrumental in spreading the use of Rafiki Briquettes.

Women representatives from regions such as Songwe, Iringa, Njombe and Ruvuma were awarded agency certificates for their efforts in distributing clean energy.

Other groups, including the parents’ association from Mbinga and traders from Mwanjelwa Market, were also honoured for their contributions.

“This collaboration shows what can be achieved when the private sector, local communities and the government work together for a common goal,” Dr Mpango remarked.

In a touching moment, the Vice-President also presented three modern stoves, donated by STAMICO, to Loleza Girls’ Secondary School in Mbeya. These stoves, each weighing a hefty 50 kilograms, are expected to reduce the school’s energy costs and improve the cooking environment for the students.

For the school, this donation is more than just a gift; it represents a step towards a healthier and more sustainable way of cooking.

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It’s a clear example of how clean energy can improve lives on a personal level, not just at the national level. This event, held under the theme “Use Clean Energy, Protect the Environment,” is a clear indication of the progress Tanzania is making towards a cleaner, greener future.

The partnership between the government, STAMICO and other stakeholders is proof that with innovation, commitment and collaboration, the dream of eliminating firewood and charcoal use by 80 per cent by 2034 is not just a lofty aspiration-it is a reachable reality.

Tanzania’s clean energy revolution, led by STAMICO’s Rafiki Briquettes, marks an important milestone in the country’s path toward environmental sustainability and improved public health.

By embracing these alternative fuels, Tanzanians are not just protecting the environment; they are also investing in their future a future where clean energy powers their homes, their businesses, and their lives.

As Dr Mpango so aptly put it, “This is not just a revolution in the way we cook; it’s a revolution in the way we think about our planet and our future.” With each new briquette, each new stove and each new community empowered, Tanzania is getting closer to realising a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all.

And with STAMICO leading the way, that future looks brighter than ever