By Alfred Zacharia
The Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO) is contributing to the national goal of ensuring 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive in May 2024.
Through a two-year collaboration with REPOA (2022 - 2024), TIRDO promotes alternative charcoal solutions to reduce reliance on traditional wood-based charcoal and firewood.
TIRDO’s Director General, Prof. Mkumbukwa Madundo Mtambo, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment.
“We are dedicated to finding sustainable solutions that will help Tanzanians transition to cleaner energy sources,” he said.
According to him, TIRDO’s Energy and Environment divisions are leading this initiative to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Project Coordinator Rahel Elibariki Nazayoeli explained the benefits of alternative charcoal.
“This type of charcoal is made from agricultural waste such as coconut husks, palm kernels, and maize cobs. It can also be derived from forest waste, including branches and sawdust,” she noted.
Unlike traditional charcoal, it does not require cutting down trees, helping to preserve forests while providing a cost-effective and long-burning fuel.
“It burns up to three hours and produces minimal smoke, reducing respiratory issues, particularly among women and children,” she added.
TIRDO conducted a nationwide survey in 12 regions to identify and support local producers of alternative charcoal.
“We identified 59 producers and assessed the types of charcoal they manufacture, their challenges, and available opportunities,” Nazayoeli stated.
TIRDO collected 43 samples for laboratory testing, where results showed that 55% met quality standards, while the remaining samples needed improvement in ash content, heat output, or moisture levels.
“To address these challenges, we developed the ‘Biomass Briquettes Production Handbook,’ a step-by-step guide to improving production,” said Kennan Tarimo, laboratory scientist at TIRDO.
Quality control is key in alternative charcoal production.
“We start by cleaning raw materials and processing them in specialized kilns to remove volatile matter that causes smoke. The charcoal is then ground into fine particles and mixed with natural binders like cassava or maize starch before being compressed into briquettes,” explained Kunda Sikazwe, Head of TIRDO’s Environmental Department.
The final product undergoes drying and laboratory testing to meet Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements.
Training local entrepreneurs has been an essential part of the project.
TIRDO and REPOA have provided training to 30 people from 10 regions to improve production efficiency and market reach.
The project team visited local businesses, including the Mazingira Group in Kilombero, Morogoro, where women produce and sell alternative charcoal.
“We have empowered 12 women to produce and distribute alternative charcoal, offering a sustainable and cheaper solution compared to traditional charcoal,” said Felista Mwalongo, a coordinator at Associazione Mazingira.
In Dar es Salaam, TIRDO engaged with producers such as the Kigilagila Environmental Group in Kiwalani and independent entrepreneurs like Othman Makange from Kunduchi.
“Before the training, we produced and sold only about 1,000–1,500 kilograms of alternative charcoal per week. Now, we sell up to 11,000 kilograms weekly,” said Erepidius Nyerere, chairman of the Kigilagila group.
Users have also noticed significant savings.
“I used to consume two bags of traditional charcoal per day. Now, I only use 40 kilograms of alternative charcoal, which has greatly reduced my operating costs,” said Ramadhani Maiko, a street food vendor in Buza.
Dr. Donald Mmari, Executive Director of REPOA, emphasized the importance of alternative energy solutions in achieving Tanzania’s energy transition.
“We recognized the need for sustainable cooking energy, which is why we partnered with TIRDO on this project,” he said.
Research into energy-efficient briquette machines and distribution networks is also underway.
“We studied machine production costs, supply chains, and potential manufacturers. This knowledge is crucial for scaling up alternative charcoal use across Tanzania,” Dr. Mmari added.
With continued collaboration among government institutions, researchers, and entrepreneurs, Tanzania is making steady progress toward its 80% clean cooking energy adoption goal by 2034.