Introduction
In a collaborative triumph, BURN Manufacturing Co. and the Energy Access Relief Fund (EARF) have sparked a substantial advancement in clean cooking solutions across Africa. This synergy was ignited by a shared vision of environmental conservation and economic empowerment, as outlined by BURN’s founder, Peter Scott, and has been fanned into a flame by EARF’s pivotal financial support.
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“The funding provided through SIMA’s Energy Access Relief Fund (EARF) offered essential support to fuel our mission at BURN of providing clean and efficient cookstoves across Sub-Sahara Africa. Through utilizing the EARF facility, BURN was not only able to successfully navigate critical liquidity challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but to emerge as a stronger, more resilient company. Drawing on EARF’s first investment in 2021, BURN was able to cover critical working capital needs such as restoring employee salaries and maintaining general operating expenses. A second funding tranche provided in 2022 served to help further propel our business as we achieved a record 4x annual growth by reaching a record number of 1.2m households and communities in need of clean cooking solutions, during the pandemic. Through the adoption of our clean cookstoves, BURN has made significant strides in reducing indoor air pollution, mitigating CO2 emissions, and empowering women and girls across Africa. To date, BURN has sold over 4.5 million energy-efficient and affordable stoves, saved over 12.2 million tons of wood, and reduced carbon emissions by over 21.7 million tons of CO2. Our products have impacted over 25.1 million lives, created over 3,500 jobs (50% women), and enabled household savings of over $819 million. At BURN, we are deeply grateful to SIMA and the Energy Access Relief Fund for their timely, practical, and unwavering support of advancing sustainable energy access initiatives. Their partnership has been instrumental in driving positive change and catalysing impactful outcomes for BURN and the communities we serve.”
Ted Miller
Head of Corporate Finance
EARF’s Catalytic Capital Injection
With a significant investment from EARF, amounting to USD 2.5 million, BURN has dramatically scaled its operations. The initial disbursement of USD 800K rejuvenated BURN’s working capital and restored management salaries to pre-COVID levels, ensuring operational continuity during critical times. Subsequent funding of USD 1.7 million significantly boosted BURN’s production capacity to an impressive 400,000 stoves per month, marking a new chapter of growth and resilience for the company.Impact on Households and Environment
Leveraging this partnership, BURN has sold over 4.5 million clean cookstoves, positively impacting the lives of 25.1 million people. This has not only curbed indoor air pollution but also saved 12.2 million tons of wood and reduced atmospheric CO2 emissions by over 21.7 million tons. These figures underscore a considerable enhancement in the quality of air and life for numerous communities.Economic and Social Empowerment
BURN, with EARF’s backing, has become an employment powerhouse, creating more than 3,500 jobs, and integrating gender diversity with women occupying half of these roles. BURN’s growth has also invigorated the local economy by involving over 1,500 agents and expanding its reach to more than 20 countries, thus cultivating a robust network of clean cooking solutions.Women and Girls: The Heart of Change
BURN’s clean cookstoves contribute to household savings of $3 per week on cooking costs, reduce the use of charcoal by 85%, and decrease time spent cooking by over 70% which is transformative, especially for women and girls who often bear the burden of household cooking and cooking fuel collection. With more time available, women and girls can pursue education, engage in income-generating activities, or simply enjoy moments of personal well-being, contributing to improved livelihoods and gender equality.
With a significant investment from EARF, amounting to USD 2.5 million, BURN has dramatically scaled its operations, expanding its reach to more households in need.
The initial disbursement of USD 800K rejuvenated BURN’s working capital and restored management salaries to pre-COVID levels, ensuring operational continuity during critical times. Subsequent funding of USD 1.7 million significantly boosted BURN’s production capacity to an impressive 400,000 stoves per month, marking a new chapter of growth and resilience for the company.