A team from the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), visited the Tanganyika Wattle Company Limited (TANWAT) factory in Njombe on 12 March 2026 to observe the production of wood briquettes.

The visit was part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of clean cooking energy.

Speaking during the visit, Nsajigwa Maclean, a Geologist from the Ministry of Energy’s Clean Cooking Energy Unit, commended TANWAT for its initiative in producing clean cooking fuel. He noted that this effort will enhance access to clean cooking energy for both households and institutions in the Njombe Region and neighboring areas.

“The Government’s policy aims to ensure that clean cooking energy is easily accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable. This factory will significantly contribute to achieving that goal,” said Maclean.

He added that the production of wood briquettes supports the Government’s directive which prohibit the use of firewood and traditional charcoal in institutions serving more than 100 people per day, while simultaneously reducing dependence on fuels that contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation.

Maclean emphasized that the use of wood briquettes offers major environmental benefits, as it mitigates deforestation which leads to forest destruction and climate change. He explained that, through modern technology factories can produce Biomass briquettes using crop residues or other readily available raw materials without harming the environment.

On the other side, the TANWAT Station Manager, Venkateshwar Rao, stated that while the factory produces various products, it is currently prioritizing the production of wood briquettes. He revealed that the plant now produces more than two tons per day, with production having officially commenced on 15 November 2025.

“In Njombe Region, we are actively promoting this product, as it is relatively new to the market. Alongside it we are educating the public on the various benefits of transitioning to clean cooking energy” said Rao.