“GCIP has enabled me to bridge my innovation to a socially inclusive micro-enterprise that benefits mostly women in marginalised communities.”
Innovation: Mashesha stove
Description: Efficient biomass/wood fuel stoves that use half the required fuel of open fires. They are also safer to use, thanks to a closed gasification process.
The problem: Rural schools and households are heavily reliant on wood fuel. The resultant smoke impacts negatively on their health and the environment.
The story so far:
- The Mashesha metal cook stove burns with a clean hot flame using gasification techniques
- It saves 56% fuel, is nearly smoke free and halves the cooking time
- The briquettes are a supplementary fuel and are made from waste cardboard, which beneficiaries are taught to make
- 129 units sold
- Currently in the top 53 for the African entrepreneurship awards
- Awarded a spot on the GIBS social entrepreneurship course
- Secured a grant from the Diageo Empowerment Trust Fund, allowing for the purchase of biomass briquetting equipment, more R&D and job creation
What’s next?
Finalise large biomass briquette composition ratios, get to market and expand the product range.