Charcoal Briquettes
MACONET Agribusiness Solutions Ltd, a pioneering agro-enterprise based in Musoma, Mara Region, Tanzania, is at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation with its Charcoal Briquettes Initiative. This project offers an eco-friendly, affordable, and efficient alternative to traditional firewood and charcoal, addressing deforestation, environmental degradation, and energy poverty in local communities.
MACONET’s briquettes are made from agricultural waste, sawdust, charcoal dust, and organic residues, converted into clean-burning fuel that supports cooking, heating, and small-scale industrial use. The initiative promotes climate-smart practices, creates green jobs, and helps households and institutions transition to more sustainable energy solutions.
Key Objectives
Promote Renewable Energy Use
Reduce reliance on unsustainable wood-based charcoal by offering a clean, efficient alternative fuel.Combat Deforestation and Climate Change
Help conserve forests and reduce carbon emissions by repurposing waste materials into usable energy.Generate Income and Employment
Create job opportunities, especially for youth and women, in briquette production, packaging, and distribution.Improve Livelihoods and Health
Offer a safer cooking option with less smoke and toxic emissions compared to traditional charcoal or firewood.
Product Features
✅ Eco-Friendly:
Made entirely from biodegradable and recycled materials such as rice husks, maize cobs, sawdust, charcoal dust, and banana peels.
✅ Smokeless & Odorless:
Produces minimal smoke, reducing indoor air pollution and respiratory risks.
✅ Long Burning Time:
Burns longer and hotter than regular charcoal, making it more efficient for cooking and heating.
✅ Cost-Effective:
Affordable for households, schools, restaurants, and small businesses — saving money on energy expenses.
✅ Easy to Store and Transport:
Compact and lightweight briquettes are sold in various sizes and packaging formats to suit different user needs.
Production Process
Raw Material Collection:
Waste materials are sourced locally from farms, markets, and carpentry workshops.Carbonization:
Organic materials are converted into char through controlled burning or use of carbonizing kilns.Crushing & Mixing:
The char is crushed into fine powder and mixed with a binder (often cassava starch or molasses).Briquetting:
The mixture is pressed into briquettes using manual or mechanized briquette machines.Drying:
Briquettes are sun-dried or oven-dried to reduce moisture content and improve burning efficiency.Packaging & Distribution:
Final products are packaged in eco-friendly bags and distributed through local retailers, cooperatives, and direct sales channels.
Target Users
Households (urban and rural)
Restaurants and street food vendors
Schools and boarding institutions
Small industries and bakeries
NGOs and development programs promoting clean energy
Social and Environmental Impact
🌱 Reduced Pressure on Forests
Helps conserve natural forests by offering an alternative to wood charcoal.👩🔧 Empowerment of Youth and Women
Involves local women and youth in the production, marketing, and distribution chain, supporting inclusive economic growth.🏥 Health Benefits
Reduces exposure to harmful smoke, especially among women and children in households.♻️ Waste-to-Energy Innovation
Transforms agricultural and urban waste into valuable energy products, supporting a circular economy.
Partnerships and Expansion
MACONET collaborates with local government authorities, NGOs, community groups, and schools to scale up production, train entrepreneurs, and promote clean cooking technologies across the Lake Zone and beyond.
The company also offers training and technical support for individuals and groups interested in starting their own briquette enterprises — strengthening the regional green economy.