BioMassters opens new outlet for eco-friendly stoves in Rubavu #rwanda #RwOT

The new outlet, located in Gisenyi, along the main road near the Rubavu Mosque, marks a significant step in promoting sustainable cooking options.

According to the seventh integrated household living conditions survey (EICV7), the number of households in Rwanda using environmentally friendly cooking stoves reached 5.4% in 2024, up from just 1% in 2017.

BioMassters operates a factory in Rubavu with a capacity to process 15 tons of materials per day.

The company has been selling its products in various shops across Kigali for the past two years.

The stoves come in two models: the "Iryacu" stove, made in Rwanda using bricks, and the "Inzuchief" stove, made from metal. Both stoves are known for their durability, cleanliness, and efficiency, using 50% less fuel compared to charcoal stoves.

Claudia Muench, the CEO of BioMassters, told IGIHE that their stoves are designed to cook efficiently without producing smoke, making them a healthier option for households.

"Our stoves offer a solution for familiesâ€"they are affordable, and the pellets used for cooking are cheaper compared to other traditional methods. They promote better health for users while protecting the environment as the forests are preserved," she said.

Despite the challenges posed by the small size of the factory and the fact that many people are still unaware of their products, Muench is optimistic that these issues will be overcome over time by raising awareness through different campaigns and plan to build new factories.

Mulindwa Prosper, the Mayor of Rubavu, emphasized that the opening of the BioMassters outlet will boost the local economy.

"BioMassters' initiatives help residents maintain cleanliness, protect the environment, and assist the government in safeguarding public health. The smokeless pellets contribute to better health outcomes, and they are made from sawdusts and forests left overs.

We appreciate BioMassters for opening a branch in our district, creating new jobs, and contributing to the national economy," he stated.

Mulindwa also noted that, compared to charcoal, the cost of using pellets is 50% cheaper, which will help local residents save money.

BioMassters' stoves use pellets made from wood and crop residues, which are both eco-friendly and affordable. A kilo of pellets costs between Rwf 350 Rwandan Francs in BioMassters stores and Rwf 380 from other partners across the country.

To date, BioMassters has distributed over 8,000 stoves to households, reaching more than 70,000 people across the country. The "Iryacu" stove costs 40,000 Rwandan Francs, while the "Inzuchief" stove is priced at 50,000 Rwandan Francs.