The idea that cleantech solutions are always complex is often not true. The story of SWEDO Innovations proves this. With a relatively simple product, their brand of bio fire combs reduces coal usage while boosting the well-being and independence of women and young people.
In Uganda, many people still cook with charcoal. This is harmful to the environment and expensive. About three years ago, Mariah Kizza started a community project with 15 women to replace charcoal with eco-friendly briquettes made from waste. The bio fire combs burn longer, produce no smoke, and are cost-effective.
This project tackles multiple problems. “We have high unemployment, a lot of waste in the communities, and we cook with polluting charcoal,” says Mariah. “We first trained about 15 women on how to make bio fire combs. When they sold these combs, they earned a commission. We reinvested the profits, including purchasing a machine to help make the briquettes.”
Through a village saving scheme, we were able to raise one million Ugandan shillings to purchase a manual machine. The women involved in manufacturing and sales of the bio fire combs earned a commission. Since then, we have reinvested the profits, including purchasing additional machines like carbonization drums and manual briquette extruders to help make the briquettes. Additionally, we were able to train an additional 35 women in 2023.
Today, Mariah and her team at SWEDO (Smart Women in Environment and Development Organization) Innovations are making significant strides. They help set up collection points for the agricultural and organic waste used to make the briquettes. The collected materials are then distributed to local communities, enabling women to actively participate in making the briquettes. As a result, more households are now cooking with bio fire combs.
Pivoting to Grow
This initiative was already remarkable, but their journey with ClimateLaunchpad took them a step further toward professionalization. “Joining ClimateLaunchpad was a turning point for us. It was an opportunity to segment the market. We discovered that commercial cooking had a higher demand than household cooking. Restaurants, food vendors, and market cooks presented a quick opportunity. The market consists of over 125,000 vendors in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area; we aim to serve 5,000 within the next 5 years.”
“We are seeing growth and gaining traction with customers. It’s not only much cheaper for them to use our briquettes, but the emissions are also a third compared to charcoal. We are integrating climate solutions into commercial cooking. We contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic self-sufficiency. We already employ 12 people, mostly women and young adults.”
SWEDO is Unstoppable
The organization dreams big and has developed a five-year business plan. Starting with supplying a few restaurants and households this year, they will increase the number of customers step by step with ambitious goals.
“Post our ClimateLaunchpad training, we have introduced an innovative payment and access system. Customers can now enjoy access to our services without the burden of upfront costs.”
“Our mission extends beyond profit margins: it is about societal transformation. We are catalyzing progress by advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7 on ensuring access to affordable, clean, reliable, and modern energy. And we are not only reducing emissions but also providing income for communities.”
