Empowering Change: The Rise of Clean Cooking and Gender Lens Investing in Africa
May 21, 2025, 6:35 pm
Location: Belgium, Brussels-Capital, Brussels
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 1992
In the heart of Africa, a quiet revolution is brewing. It’s a movement fueled by clean energy and gender equity. Two recent developments illustrate this shift: BURN’s groundbreaking investment in electric cooking and Aruwa Capital Management’s ambitious fund aimed at empowering women-led businesses. Together, they paint a picture of a continent on the brink of transformation.
BURN, a leading manufacturer of clean cookstoves, has secured a $5 million investment from the Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFI). This funding is a lifeline for over 100,000 Kenyan households, enabling them to transition from traditional cooking methods to electric solutions. The ECOA Induction Cooker (ECOA IDC) is at the forefront of this change. It’s not just a stove; it’s a beacon of hope. With its IoT-enabled technology, it promises to reduce household energy costs and cut down carbon emissions by an impressive 1.4 million tons over its lifetime.
In Kenya, the electricity grid is predominantly renewable. Yet, millions still rely on charcoal, wood, or LPG for cooking. The irony is stark. Households spend around $12 weekly on these polluting fuels. The barrier? High upfront costs of electric cooking solutions. BURN’s innovative Pay As You Cook (PAYC) model addresses this challenge. It allows users to pay small amounts via mobile money, making electric cooking accessible to low-income families. This approach is a game-changer. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about empowerment and sustainability.
BURN’s impact extends beyond individual households. It’s a catalyst for broader change. By creating jobs in manufacturing and distribution, it strengthens local economies. The investment aligns with the European Union’s goals of promoting clean energy access and fostering climate resilience. It’s a perfect example of how targeted financing can mobilize private businesses to drive sustainable impact.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, Aruwa Capital Management is making waves in the investment landscape. This women-led venture capital firm has raised 90% of its $40 million target for its second fund. Aruwa is not just another fund; it’s a mission-driven entity focused on gender lens investing. It seeks to empower small to mid-market businesses in Ghana and Nigeria that are often overlooked by larger financial institutions.
Aruwa’s first fund closed at just over $20 million in 2022. Now, with the second fund, it aims to double that amount. The firm has attracted investments from notable players like Nigeria’s Bank of Industry and the UK’s British International Investment. This is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of gender equity in investment strategies.
The focus of Aruwa is clear: vital industries such as healthcare, energy access, and consumer goods. The initial ticket sizes range from $1 million to $3 million, allowing for significant impact in underserved markets. Two investments from Fund II have already been completed, including a fast-casual dining restaurant chain and a manufacturer of safety boots. Both ventures are poised to enhance women’s economic opportunities, promoting inclusive growth.
The intersection of clean cooking and gender lens investing reveals a powerful narrative. Both BURN and Aruwa are addressing pressing challenges in Africa. They are not just providing solutions; they are creating pathways for sustainable development. Clean cooking reduces health risks associated with traditional fuels, while gender lens investing empowers women entrepreneurs. Together, they represent a holistic approach to tackling poverty and fostering economic growth.
The potential for impact is immense. With over 600 million people in Africa lacking access to reliable energy, the need for innovative solutions is urgent. BURN’s electric cooking initiative is a step in the right direction. It not only addresses energy access but also contributes to climate change mitigation. The reduction of carbon emissions is crucial for the planet’s health, and BURN is leading the charge.
On the other hand, Aruwa’s focus on gender equity is equally vital. Women are often the backbone of communities, yet they face significant barriers to accessing capital. By investing in women-led businesses, Aruwa is not just supporting individual entrepreneurs; it’s fostering a new generation of leaders. This approach has the potential to uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
As these two initiatives gain momentum, they serve as a blueprint for future investments in Africa. The combination of clean energy solutions and gender-focused funding can drive sustainable development on the continent. It’s a call to action for investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs alike. The time to invest in Africa’s future is now.
In conclusion, the stories of BURN and Aruwa Capital Management are more than just business ventures. They are narratives of hope, resilience, and transformation. As Africa navigates its path toward sustainable development, these initiatives highlight the power of innovation and inclusivity. The continent is poised for change, and with the right investments, the future looks bright. Clean cooking and gender equity are not just goals; they are the keys to unlocking Africa’s potential.
BURN, a leading manufacturer of clean cookstoves, has secured a $5 million investment from the Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFI). This funding is a lifeline for over 100,000 Kenyan households, enabling them to transition from traditional cooking methods to electric solutions. The ECOA Induction Cooker (ECOA IDC) is at the forefront of this change. It’s not just a stove; it’s a beacon of hope. With its IoT-enabled technology, it promises to reduce household energy costs and cut down carbon emissions by an impressive 1.4 million tons over its lifetime.
In Kenya, the electricity grid is predominantly renewable. Yet, millions still rely on charcoal, wood, or LPG for cooking. The irony is stark. Households spend around $12 weekly on these polluting fuels. The barrier? High upfront costs of electric cooking solutions. BURN’s innovative Pay As You Cook (PAYC) model addresses this challenge. It allows users to pay small amounts via mobile money, making electric cooking accessible to low-income families. This approach is a game-changer. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about empowerment and sustainability.
BURN’s impact extends beyond individual households. It’s a catalyst for broader change. By creating jobs in manufacturing and distribution, it strengthens local economies. The investment aligns with the European Union’s goals of promoting clean energy access and fostering climate resilience. It’s a perfect example of how targeted financing can mobilize private businesses to drive sustainable impact.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, Aruwa Capital Management is making waves in the investment landscape. This women-led venture capital firm has raised 90% of its $40 million target for its second fund. Aruwa is not just another fund; it’s a mission-driven entity focused on gender lens investing. It seeks to empower small to mid-market businesses in Ghana and Nigeria that are often overlooked by larger financial institutions.
Aruwa’s first fund closed at just over $20 million in 2022. Now, with the second fund, it aims to double that amount. The firm has attracted investments from notable players like Nigeria’s Bank of Industry and the UK’s British International Investment. This is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of gender equity in investment strategies.
The focus of Aruwa is clear: vital industries such as healthcare, energy access, and consumer goods. The initial ticket sizes range from $1 million to $3 million, allowing for significant impact in underserved markets. Two investments from Fund II have already been completed, including a fast-casual dining restaurant chain and a manufacturer of safety boots. Both ventures are poised to enhance women’s economic opportunities, promoting inclusive growth.
The intersection of clean cooking and gender lens investing reveals a powerful narrative. Both BURN and Aruwa are addressing pressing challenges in Africa. They are not just providing solutions; they are creating pathways for sustainable development. Clean cooking reduces health risks associated with traditional fuels, while gender lens investing empowers women entrepreneurs. Together, they represent a holistic approach to tackling poverty and fostering economic growth.
The potential for impact is immense. With over 600 million people in Africa lacking access to reliable energy, the need for innovative solutions is urgent. BURN’s electric cooking initiative is a step in the right direction. It not only addresses energy access but also contributes to climate change mitigation. The reduction of carbon emissions is crucial for the planet’s health, and BURN is leading the charge.
On the other hand, Aruwa’s focus on gender equity is equally vital. Women are often the backbone of communities, yet they face significant barriers to accessing capital. By investing in women-led businesses, Aruwa is not just supporting individual entrepreneurs; it’s fostering a new generation of leaders. This approach has the potential to uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
As these two initiatives gain momentum, they serve as a blueprint for future investments in Africa. The combination of clean energy solutions and gender-focused funding can drive sustainable development on the continent. It’s a call to action for investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs alike. The time to invest in Africa’s future is now.
In conclusion, the stories of BURN and Aruwa Capital Management are more than just business ventures. They are narratives of hope, resilience, and transformation. As Africa navigates its path toward sustainable development, these initiatives highlight the power of innovation and inclusivity. The continent is poised for change, and with the right investments, the future looks bright. Clean cooking and gender equity are not just goals; they are the keys to unlocking Africa’s potential.