Charcoal stoves in Rwanda are probably one of the most recognized and widely used kitchen appliances across the nation. African Gatare, resident in Kigali town invented a new model of charcoal stove that uses little electricity or batteries to heat it up before it’s used for cooking.
After years, Gatare’s dream has come to fruition, and a cleverly-designed clay and steel stove is on the market.
It’s made in the way that there is a shallow hole in the middle of the stove where little or less charcoal is put.
The shallow hole is made of clay and helps to channel the fire to the cooking pot alone, leading to fast cooking.
Justine Mukantaganda, who sells these charcoal stoves said that one uses a sack of charcoal in the period of three to six months.
One customer, Marie Munezero confirmed that this type of stove saves charcoal, saying one charcoal fills the space in the stove.
“I bought this charcoal stove from Kigali a few months ago. However, it consumes less charcoal,” Munezero added.
On the issue of electricity used, Mukantaganda revealed that it’s not much since one uses a telephone charger.
“A unit of electricity is enough to last for a month while four batteries are enough to last for 3 weeks to those without electricity,” said Mukantaganda
African Gatare invented this stove under Hanga Umurimo, a program initiated by the government in order to sensitize the population to invent products that empowers communities with bankable business innovations.
