Ener-G-Africa (EGA) has recently expanded its presence in Zambia by opening five retail stores in Lusaka. These new stores aim to make EGA’s wide range of energy-saving products more accessible to consumers in Zambia, addressing the country’s heavy reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking, which has led to environmental degradation, health risks, and increasing household energy costs.
Richard Bunderson, Chief Commercial Officer at EGA, highlighted the demand for cleaner, more efficient cooking solutions in Zambia due to the environmental and health issues associated with traditional cooking methods. Additionally, frequent power outages have increased the need for reliable alternative energy sources, driving the demand for clean cookstoves and solar products.
The decision to establish retail stores in Zambia was based on market demand, business feasibility, expansion opportunities, and strategic collaborations. Drawing on successful pilot models in Malawi and Mozambique, EGA identified Zambia as a viable market for expansion, aiming to provide cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions to Zambian consumers.
Local manufacturing plays a crucial role in EGA’s operations, with manufacturing hubs in South Africa and Malawi supplying products designed for African markets. The South African hub houses factories producing TÜV Certified solar panels and advanced biomass stoves, meeting local needs and ensuring security of supply.
Future plans for investment in Zambia include the introduction of pellet mills to support the sale of pellet stoves in the region, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where stove sales drive demand for biomass fuels. EGA intends to scale up operations in high-demand peri-urban and rural areas, focusing on communities with limited access to clean cooking solutions and reliable solar energy products.
Community engagement is a key aspect of EGA’s approach, with awareness campaigns, product demonstrations, and training sessions aimed at educating communities on the benefits of clean cookstoves, biomass fuels, and solar energy solutions. Collaborations with local leaders and organizations ensure that customers receive guidance on product usage and maintenance.
The EGA Zambia stores offer a range of clean cooking solutions, cookware, solar panels, LED lights, power banks, and solar batteries to cater to household and commercial energy needs. Warranties and customer support are provided to assist buyers with product maintenance, troubleshooting, and guidance. Technical training, service support, spare parts, and repair services are also available at select stores.
Overall, EGA’s expansion in Zambia aims to address the country’s energy challenges by providing sustainable and accessible energy solutions to communities in need. With a focus on local manufacturing, community engagement, and product quality, EGA is set to make a positive impact on Zambia’s energy landscape.
