Godmwanga puts TZ in graphite market
TANGA: TANZANIA has entered the global graphite processing map with the commissioning of two refineries in Handeni, Tanga Region, marking a significant step in the country’s industrialisation agenda and participation in the green economy.
The facilities, owned entirely by local investor Godlisten Mwanga through Godmwanga Gems, are the first in the country to refine graphite, with a combined daily capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes at a purity level of 95 per cent.
The refineries are in Kwedikabu and Kwamsisi villages, tapping into the country’s graphite deposits and transforming them into industrial-grade material for export markets.
Godmwanga’s Plant B Manager Henry Joseph said the establishment of the factories has enhanced the country’s role in the global supply chain of strategic minerals used in clean energy technologies.
“The projects have created direct and indirect jobs, supported infrastructure development and demonstrated the role of minerals as a driver of industrialisation,” Mr Joseph said.
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Tanzania has become the third African country, after Madagascar and Mozambique, to establish graphite refining capacity.
This positions the country to benefit from rising international demand, particularly in electric vehicle batteries, industrial lubricants and electronic manufacturing.
According to the International Energy Agency, last year the global demand for graphite stood at 4.8 million tonnes, with clean technology accounting for 1.5 million tonnes. The agency projects demand will rise to 8.2 million tonnes by 2030, underscoring opportunities for emerging producers.
Mr Joseph said the Handeni plants have generated more than 616 formal jobs, most of them filled by local residents, while also stimulating small-scale entrepreneurship in transport, spare parts production and related services.
He said the company has also partnered with communities in projects such as school construction, health facilities and road maintenance.
The firm is supplying refined graphite to the United States, China and South Korea.
