Sustainability Recognition

Afnon, a trailblazing Zambian company, has earned recognition in the sustainability category of the 2024 Sassda & Columbus Stainless Awards for its innovative Juvin 3-in-1 stove.

This ground-breaking stainless steel stove, the first of its kind in Africa, has been acknowledged as one of the 1 000 most efficient global solutions, marking a significant leap forward in clean cooking technology within a market valued at over US$130 million across the continent.

The use of stainless steel in the Juvin 3-in-1 stove is central to its durability, efficiency and environmental impact. Stainless steel, known for its resilience and recyclability, ensures the stove not only lasts long but also maintains a small environmental footprint.

Focus on material optimisation aligns with Afnon’s broader mission to localise clean cooking solutions in Africa – a goal driven by Arnold Nyendwa who has led Afnon to distribute over 8 000 clean cooking stoves in Zambia since 2021 with exports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi.

The Juvin Eco stove, another flagship product, further underscores Afnon’s commitment to sustainability. Manufactured from locally sourced recycled waste metal, this stove is not only cost-effective but also highly efficient, offering continuous cooking for eight to 10 hours with minimal solid fuel. This innovation represents an 80% improvement in energy use compared to conventional stoves, which typically harness only 14% of their fuel’s energy. Afnon’s market positioning is differentiated by its strategic approach. While many competitors focus on single-fuel stoves, the Juvin 3-in-1 stove is versatile using gas, electricity and pellets. This multifunctionality not only reduces costs for consumers but also addresses the limitations of single-fuel models.

Beyond environmental benefits, the company’s distribution of clean cooking stoves has significantly positive social impacts such as reducing deforestation and improving public health by lowering smoke
emissions.