One to follow on LinkedIn this week: Charlot Magayi

While Africa faces nearly a million deaths per year due to polluting cooking fuels, almost a billion people across the continent remain dependent on them. Why is this the case? Affordability and accessibility. There remains a significant number of households who cannot make the switch.

According to WHO, exposure to household air pollution can increase the risk of lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer. In response to this crisis, Charity Magayi, dubbed ‘Queen of Africa’ by Prince William, founded Mukuru Clean Stoves, a social enterprise producing clean, affordable, and reliable cook stoves, for under served markets. To help mothers keep their children safe, save on fuel costs, and reduce household air pollution.

Charlot grew up in one of Nairobi’s slums, Mukuru Kwa Njenga. Orphaned at 10 and a mother by 16, she dropped out of school and began selling charcoal in the slum. And, just as WHO warns, she and her daughter were constantly battling respiratory tract infections. Her daughter even suffered a severe burn from a traditional stove.

Eventually, she saved enough to go back to school which was a turning point in her life. It opened her eyes to the health hazards caused by charcoal and other harmful solid fuels. In 2017, she launched Mukuru Clean Stoves, naming it after the slum where she grew up. Their mission? To bridge the gap by delivering cost-effective, energy-efficient stoves that reduce household air pollution, improve health outcomes, and lessen environmental impact while ensuring that clean cooking is not a luxury, but a right for all.

Why is she a recommendation to follow this week? Her profile is brimming with purpose. She’s actively spreading the word about Mukuru Clean Stoves, saving lives, protecting the planet, and creating green jobs. On top of that, she shares practical insights for entrepreneurs. If you have a ‘green’ idea that could make a difference, she’s a voice well worth following.

Hey, head to LinkedIn and hit that follow button. Her journey is a true inspiration for anyone navigating a career rooted in purpose and impact.

Funding opportunities in the green sector  

Are you working on a project that could transform the future of energy, water, or environmental sustainability? Here are a few open tenders that might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for:

• Tender for rooftop solar system installation of 30kW at Bettys Bay. 

• Entries open for World Food Safety Day Poster Competition. Applications for the World Food Safety Day Poster Competition to help spread awareness and inspire action on food safety by designing a poster that will help people understand how to ensure the food they produce, process, transport, sell or prepare is safe to eat. 

• The Velux Stiftung is requesting applications for the Climate Change, Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Forest Products Program.