Nakivale Solar Stoves and Energy Solution Association

• Year Founded: 2020
• Location: Nyarugugu C Village, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Western Uganda
• Energy Solutions and Services: Production of alternative fuels, solar cooking
• Thematic Areas of Focus: Clean cooking, waste-to-energy, refugee livelihoods
• Number of Employees: 3 regular employees and additional daily workers
• Social Media: Facebook ; YouTube
• Contact: mpfukamensabeavit@gmail.com

Nakivale Solar Stoves and Energy Solution Association's Impact Story

The communities of Nakivale Refugee Settlement face several critical challenges that demand urgent solutions. There is a noticeable lack of access to clean cookstoves, making cooking inefficient and hazardous. Over time, charcoal and firewood have become increasingly costly and difficult to access, and deforestation has worsened. Solar energy remains vastly underutilized despite its potential. At the same time, household waste accumulation contributes to pollution and poor sanitation. The community also faces high unemployment rates, particularly among youth and women. Many women and girls are exposed to gender-based violence due to economic dependence and systemic inequality.

Nakivale Solar Stoves and Energy Solution Association has developed a sustainable and inclusive business model to respond to these issues and benefit the community. The organization produces solar cookstoves and transforms biodegradable household waste and plant debris into green charcoal briquettes. These cookstoves are cost-effective and can reduce charcoal use by up to 75%. They can also cut cooking time in half compared to traditional methods. Nakivale Solar Stoves’ approach provides clean energy alternatives for the local community, supports improved waste management and empowers vulnerable groups by providing employment opportunities.

Since its founding, Nakivale Solar Stoves has had a significant positive impact on the local community. The solar-powered stoves have reduced firewood and charcoal consumption as well as lowered indoor air pollution for households which have gained access. The organization has also created three long-term jobs for young refugees as well as flexible work for women who collect household waste in exchange for daily wages.

Success Factors

To turn the idea of a holistic clean cooking and waste management model into a functioning business, the organization required a range of support. Financial assistance was essential for purchasing raw materials and production equipment. The organization’s employees also needed training in business management, project development, and marketing tailored for entrepreneurs operating in refugee settings.

The registration of Nakivale Solar Stoves and the issuance of a business permit were significant milestones that formalized the organization’s legal status under Ugandan law. Technical guidance provided by Ashden was invaluable during the project development phase and played a key role in shaping the history and growth of the organization. The leadership, strong communication skills and collaborative approach of the company’s founder and CEO have also been instrumental in guiding the organization.

Nakivale Solar Stoves has also built strong relationships with the local community, earning trust by contributing to environmental protection and social inclusion. This community connection has strengthened the organization’s credibility and impact.

Internally, Nakivale Solar Stoves maintains a solid marketing and sales strategy supported by regular internal audits, which help ensure financial transparency and operational efficiency. The organization continuously invests in staff training to introduce new concepts and technologies. Its hybrid production method, which combines solar energy with sustainable waste transformation practices, further sets the organization apart and supports its mission of promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability.

Future Plans and Support Needs

Looking ahead, the organization seeks to sustain and grow its impact by reinvesting cumulative gains to stabilize production and maintain consistent product availability. By increasing production capacity, the organization hopes to boost overall turnover and expand to new markets, including other refugee camps across Uganda where demand for clean energy solutions remains high. Nakivale Solar Stoves is actively seeking to reach new customer bases and diversify its market presence.

To achieve its goals, the organization requires additional support. Financial assistance, in the form of grants or loans, would increase capital flow and support expansion into new markets. Nakivale Solar Stoves would also benefit from further training and advisory services for SMEs and specifically for off-grid solar operations. With the right support, the organization can scale sustainably and make a broader impact across refugee and host communities alike.

About the Founder

Avith Mpfukamensabe was born in Burundi and currently resides in Uganda, as he was forced to flee his homeland due to escalating insecurity and political persecution. As an innovative entrepreneur, he gained has gained national recognition in Burundi for producing improved cookstoves and eco-friendly green charcoal. These sustainable alternatives disrupt the traditional charcoal market, reducing deforestation and offering cleaner energy solutions. Unfortunately, his success drew unwanted attention and hostility from political actors, ultimately threatening his safety and forcing him to seek refuge. Now based in Uganda, Avith continues to pursue his passion for sustainable energy and innovation while building a safer and more promising future.