Clean energy doesn’t have to kill trees anymore

DODOMA: Surely, in the world of Tanzanian farming and household energy, there is a new superhero in town. And no, it is not solar panels or wind turbines with complicated setups, it is a humble black block called Rafiki Briquettes. Think of it as charcoal’s smarter, cleaner cousin who went to college and now fights climate change on the weekends.

At the heart of the Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition in Dodoma, one pavilion in particular has been drawing curious crowds, not with flashy music or dancing mascots, but with something arguably more exciting: clean energy education.

Here, the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) is making the most of the annual agricultural event to show that mining is not just about pickaxes and hard hats, it is also about sustainability, innovation, and, believe it or not, saving trees.

Speaking to visitors, STAMICO’s affable Marketing and Public Relations Manager Deus Alex, made the message crystal clear: “Our goal is to ensure this energy reaches as many people as possible to reduce the use of firewood and charcoal derived from trees.”

And he was not just talking. He was pointing at a stack of solid, compact Rafiki Briquettes which, in case you have not heard, burn for over three hours, produce significantly less smoke, and don’t cost an arm and a leg.

What are these magical briquettes?

The science is simple but the impact is massive. These briquettes are made from coal residues leftovers from the Kabulo-Kiwira coal mine in Songwe Region. Before anyone screams “dirty coal,” let’s calm the crowd.

According to Mr Deus, “The residues go through a factory process to reduce heat and remove harmful gases, making the briquettes suitable for household use.”

So yes, they are coal-based, but treated to be environmentally friendly because breathing should never be a health risk, especially when you are just trying to make dinner.

STAMICO is not just selling a product. It is launching a quiet revolution and one briquette at a time.

Mr Deus was also quick to point out that this project goes beyond cooking fuel. “At the exhibition, we also brought construction stones produced at Chigongwe along the Singida road, for both large and small-scale builders.” Because if you are going to shake up the energy sector, why not help build some houses while you are at it?

He extended an invitation to small-scale miners to visit the exhibition and benefit from services and training available at the Ministry of Minerals’ pavilions. After all, knowledge is power and sometimes that power can be compressed into a little black block.

As part of the outreach, 15 mining machines have been purchased by the government through STAMICO to boost productivity among small-scale miners. That is not just investment, it is empowerment.

In the course, Fatuma Madidi, the dynamic Chairperson of the Women and Samia Group in Dodoma, is mobilizing people like it is an energy emergency. Her message? Get to the Sabasaba container in old Dodoma Municipality and grab your briquettes before they are gone!

Ms Madidi’s enthusiasm is contagious. She highlighted that the product is not just about clean energy, it is creating real business opportunities. “Women have become beneficiaries of mineral resources through Rafiki Briquettes, which has opened up business prospects in regions like Dodoma, Geita, Njombe, Mbeya, and Shinyanga,” she said.

And let us not forget inclusivity. Elizabeth Bundala, of the Foundation for Disabilities Hope, delivered a passionate plea for unity in progress. She urged Tanzanians to visit the Ministry of Minerals’ pavilions and learn how everyone can plug into the mining value chain.

Her message was simple: You don’t have to be underground with a headlamp to benefit from Tanzania’s mineral wealth. Sometimes, it starts with just lighting a stove with clean energy.

In a rare and refreshing twist, even the government is earning applause. Dr Suleiman Serera, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, didn’t hold back his praise for STAMICO:

“I commend STAMICO for starting to involve special groups. This clearly shows their intention to ensure that mineral resources benefit not only miners or direct investors, but also other groups such as women and youth, who are equally capable of contributing.”

He called on stakeholders in the Rafiki Briquettes programme to maintain the value of the product and control prices, ensuring it remains within reach for all Tanzanians.

And just in case anyone doubted his economic chops, Dr. Serera added: “The mining and industrial sectors are critical for the development of domestic industries which depend on raw materials. Integrating the wider community must be supported and strengthened.”

STAMICO is not stopping with briquettes. According to Deus Alex, the corporation is fully committed to environmental conservation and is expanding production to meet growing demand. It is also pushing forward with gemstone cutting, mining, processing, value addition, and sales.

And no, they are not doing this solo. They are bringing in the troops including Women and Samia groups, which are now official STAMICO agents in 26 regions, with containers already distributed in 7 regions. That is a logistics dream come true and an inclusive one at that.

The real story here is not just cleaner cooking fuel. It is about STAMICO’s deliberate strategy to bring those outside the traditional mining industry namely women, youth, people with disabilities, and small-scale entrepreneurs into the fold.

This is not charity. It is smart economics and by spreading the benefits of mineral resources beyond the usual suspects, STAMICO is turning the extractive industry into an inclusive development engine.

And it all aligns with the vision of the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan who, let us be honest, is clearly not afraid of shaking up the status quo.

Her administration’s commitment to making sure Tanzania’s natural wealth benefits all its people is becoming more than a slogan, it is becoming visible, tangible reality. One briquette at a time.

So, the next time someone complains about smoky kitchens or expensive fuel, tell them: “There is a Rafiki for that.” These are not just briquettes, they are tools of transformation. They burn longer, cost less, save trees, create jobs, empower women, and even make the government look good. Miracles do exist.

And with STAMICO in charge of the matchstick, Tanzania’s clean energy future is looking bright and possibly, just a little bit flammable (in the good way).