Introducing the clean cookstoves entrepreneurs of Tanzania

More than 90% of the approximately 48 million people in Tanzania rely on biomass –mostly firewood and charcoal - as their primary fuel for cooking.

The overall objective of the EnDev-TICS Programme which started in 2013 is to improve access and sustained use of cooking technologies for peri-urban and rural households in Tanzania. This is done through market linkages with quality private sector improved cookstoves products and service providers. The first phase of the project in the central areas of the Lake Zone has realized the development with local artisans of the ‘Jiko Matawi’ – a multi-purpose stove capable of using both firewood and charcoal. The project which began in one district of Misungwi is now in every county including the central area, Lake Zone and Northern Zone. In addition, the original aim of the project was to reach 250,000 employees however the project has surpassed that.

In practice, the project works with entrepreneurs who are already artisans and helps them to produce the Matawi improved cookstove so that they can make them and sell them improving their income due to the improved quality of the stove. The artisans were already producing cookstoves but though the SNV training they learned to make this Matawi stove which can help to deliver better profits.

Hassan Bussisa

In this video Hassan Bussiga, SNV Project Manager, tells the story of the EnDev funded TICS programme. TICS works to build upon existing local improved cookstove supply chains to initiate the production, distribution and sales of clean and marketable ICS options that meet the needs of rural households. The project works closely with existing stove entrepreneurs to realise improved performance, quality and marketability of cookstove options. Since 2013 the project has reached over 450,000 persons with access to improved cooking solutions. Watch his story here.

Hussein Benjamin

Meet Hussein Benjamin, a cookstove entrepreneur, his wife and fellow entrepreneurs in Killimanjaro Mwanga who describe how difficult it was before they undertook the business training and how the business has flourished following this training and the subsequent support he has received. Now Hussein has several employees and produces 80-100 stoves a year. Watch his story here.

Mama Cookstoves

Meet Aledy and Rahel Shigella also known as Mama Cookstoves. The husband and wife team have been working in the cookstoves since 1995. Some years ago  Rahel participated in an SNV sponsored training course to improve her bookkeeping skills. Following this course, Aledy got involved in the business and now they have 99 men and women working with them.70-80 of them are at the quality level that they can start to bring their own product to market. The Shingella's business produces 200-300 cookstoves a month and now advertising plays a big role in growing the business. See how the Shingellas have achieved their success here.

Omary Komba

Originally a steelworker from Morogoro, Omary was introduced to the cookstove business through an SNV training course. Now the cookstoves are now the main item produced at Omary’s factory.  He speaks about how the training has helped him to administer the business better. Omary has now trained over 300 youths in the cookstoves manufacturing business and has developed the infrastructure to deliver his products to customers. Omary's wife helps to promote his stoves through social media. See their story here.

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