Waste to Wealth: Empowering Women through Transforming Eco Waste into Clean Energy - Nyambura Njeri
Nestled in the heart of Kenya, Eco Charge stands as a testament to one woman's unwavering passion for sustainability and clean energy. Nyambura Njeri, the CEO and founder of Eco Charge, has transformed her high school experiments into a thriving business, manufacturing biomass briquettes from agricultural waste. For Nyambura, this venture is more than just a business—it is a lifelong passion.
"For me, this is more than just a business; it's a commitment," she says.
Nyambura's journey began right after high school when she started experimenting with charcoal dust mixed with cow dung to create small charcoal balls for cooking. "What inspired me to turn this passion into a business was the need for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions," Nyambura explains.
Initially selling these briquettes to local chicken farmers, she soon realized the vast potential of her idea. With relentless research and a drive for innovation, she transitioned from making simple briquettes to producing biomass briquettes, enhancing the efficiency of the process and increasing accessibility to clean energy.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Before joining the Jiinue Growth Program, an initiative undertaken in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Eco Charge faced significant hurdles. Operating from a small one-acre plot without a proper warehouse, they struggled with moisture levels during rainy seasons, which affected their production.
"We used a greenhouse, and when it rained, moisture levels would rise, affecting our production," Nyambura recalls.
The support from Jiinue was a game-changer.
"Thanks to the Jiinue program, we’ve been able to set up our own warehouse and relocate to a larger, two-acre plot. This expansion has allowed us to increase the number of women working with us—from ten to over forty women and young people—who now help with sun-drying our products," she says.
Expanding Horizons
Nyambura has ambitious plans for Eco Charge. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding beyond Kenya into the Tanzanian market and exploring opportunities in Germany and other European markets. "My goal is to make Eco Charge a multi-billion company, empowering women, reducing carbon footprints, and improving livelihoods along the way," she asserts.
For Nyambura, success is not just about building a sustainable business but also making a lasting impact on the community by helping youth stay away from drugs and reducing carbon emissions.
One of Eco Charge's specific goals is to tap into the carbon credit market, increasing financial benefits for the women who work with them.
"Most of the women that work with us have young children aged between 18 and 30, and we aim to ensure that each child has access to education," Nyambura emphasizes.
However, the journey has been full of challenges. Fundraising has been a particularly significant hurdle. As Nyambura explains, "Banks require collateral and potential investors demand three years of revenue records, which is a big barrier for a young business like ours."
This lack of access to capital has hindered Eco Charge's growth and limited its ability to scale its impact. Despite these challenges, Nyambura remains determined to overcome.
"There’s also the challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but that hasn’t stopped me from pursuing my dream," she says.
Transformative Support from Jiinue
Another major challenge was power. Eco Charge needed a three-phase solar system to manage production, but the initial capital investment was around KES 10 million, which they couldn't afford. Through persistence and the support of programs like Jiinue, they have continued to move forward.
"Through the Jiinue Growth Program, we received crucial training that helped us refine our business operations, from leadership styles to financial management," Nyambura shares.
The support from the program has been invaluable. "Jiinue awarded us our first loan of KES 3.4 million in March 2024, which allowed us to move to our new facility and expand production. Later, they gave us an additional KES 1.5 million, which we used to buy a dryer," Nyambura explains.
This has enabled Eco Charge to produce briquettes year-round, regardless of the weather. The training also provided insights into leadership, cash flow management, and making pitch decks, instrumental in the growth of the business.
"As a result of this support, I am more confident in approaching banks and other investors. If the program could believe in me without requiring collateral, then I can confidently approach others for funding," she notes.
Nyambura's leadership style has evolved significantly. "I no longer try to do everything myself but have learned to trust my team, which has significantly improved our overall efficiency," she says.
Nyambura’s transformation has been made possible by the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), a five-year program in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, dedicated to empowering 229,500 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya. By offering access to affordable financing, technical assistance, and mentorship, the program helps entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers to success. In collaboration with Grassroots Business Fund (GBF), DT Global, 4G Capital, GROOTS Kenya, Powered by People, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), JGP is committed to building resilience, fostering innovation, and creating jobs, especially for young people and women.
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