SPC BLOG-MBEYA
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango has praised the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) for being a model in implementing the agenda of using clean and safe cooking energy in the country.
He stated that STAMICO has demonstrated the right direction through the production of an alternative charcoal known as Rafiki Briquettes, made from coal.
Dr. Mpango made these remarks today, February 21, 2025, while closing the 109th training workshop for Public Education Program Producers (WASHITIRI) under the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), chaired by STAMICO, at the City Park Garden Hall in Mbeya City.
Government Committed to Enhancing Access to Clean Cooking Energy
Dr. Mpango emphasized that the Government of Tanzania is determined to ensure that citizens use clean cooking energy to improve public health and protect the environment. He revealed that the government has allocated TSh 8.68 billion in subsidies to facilitate access to clean energy as part of the national strategy to phase out firewood and traditional charcoal, which contribute to environmental degradation.
"The use of clean cooking energy is one of our national priorities. By 2034, we aim to ensure that at least 80% of Tanzanians use clean energy sources such as natural gas, solar power, and alternative charcoal like Rafiki Briquettes produced by STAMICO," said Dr. Mpango.
Public Institutions Implement Government Directive to Shift from Firewood and Traditional Charcoal
Dr. Mpango clarified that since the government issued a directive requiring all public institutions serving at least 100 people per day to stop using firewood and traditional charcoal, 506 institutions have already transitioned to clean cooking energy. He urged the remaining institutions to accelerate this transition to protect users’ health and support environmental conservation efforts.
"I urge all public institutions serving at least 100 people per day to comply with this directive as soon as possible. The government is fully committed to ensuring these changes succeed for the benefit of our nation," the Vice President stressed.
STAMICO's Major Reforms Lead to Economic Self-Sufficiency
Earlier, STAMICO’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Venance Mwasse, presented the corporation’s progress, highlighting that due to major operational reforms, STAMICO has now become financially self-sufficient. The corporation currently generates approximately TSh 85 billion annually, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
Dr. Mwasse also announced that, as part of efforts to scale up the production of Rafiki Briquettes, STAMICO has procured new large-scale machinery with a daily production capacity of 20 tons. The machinery has already arrived in the country and is operational, enhancing the availability of alternative charcoal to encourage more citizens to abandon traditional charcoal.
Women and Samia Organization Granted Distribution Agency for Rafiki Briquettes
In another development, STAMICO has partnered with the Women and Samia Organization, granting them distribution rights for Rafiki Briquettes. The organization, operating in 20 regions of Mainland Tanzania and one region in Zanzibar, has been recognized for its efforts in empowering women to participate in the clean energy sector.
During the event, Vice President Dr. Mpango officially handed over distribution agency certificates to women representatives from Songwe, Iringa, Njombe, and Ruvuma. Additionally, the Mbinga Parents’ Association, traders from Mwanjelwa Market, and the Mbeya Regional Business Community received certificates in recognition of their contribution to distributing Rafiki Briquettes.
Loleza Girls’ Secondary School Receives Modern Stoves from STAMICO
Recognizing the importance of clean energy use in educational institutions, Vice President Dr. Mpango handed over three modern stoves to Loleza Girls’ Secondary School in Mbeya. These 50kg stoves from STAMICO are expected to reduce energy costs at the school and improve cooking conditions for students.
The government’s efforts, along with partners such as STAMICO, demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing clean cooking energy in Tanzania. Through the production of Rafiki Briquettes and the empowerment of women-led distribution networks, Tanzania is on track to eliminate firewood and traditional charcoal use by 80% by 2034.
The conference was held under the theme: "Use Clean Energy, Protect the Environment."
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