Changing Lives Through Clean Energy in Ghana.

Suraj Wahab O. Awarded by the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air (PCIA) 2011 Special Achievement Award in Developing Local Markets

It may look like a humble cook stove, but this energy efficient cooking device is changing lives in Ghana. Created and sold by Toyola Energy, a local partner of E+Co (www.eandco.net) , these inexpensive cook stoves are 40% more efficient than the traditional models, which spew excessive pollutants and create indoor health hazards. Toyola's stoves use significantly less coal, which not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also saves users money. In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the local community, Toyola's founder, Suraj Wahab, recently received the 2011 Special Achievement Award in Developing Local Markets from the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air.

Toyola's success is an example of what can happen when the right partners—in this case, UNEP, E+Co, and local NGOs—unite to close gaps in financing, capacity building, and policy support. When Mr. Wahab wanted to expand his one-man cook stove business back in 2006, he hooked up with E+Co, a partner in UNEP's AREED's first phase (African Rural Energy Enterprise Development) programme. Designed to help expand energy access in rural Africa, AREED offers small businesses like Toyola support for starting income-generating ventures that use or promote modern, clean, and reliable energy technologies. To date, Toyola has sold over 100,000 cook stoves, offset over 140,000 tonnes of carbon, and employed over 300 people.

Suraj Wahab O, one of the founders of E+Co investee Toyola Energy Ltd. in Ghana, a manufacturer and distributor of energy efficient cook stoves, and a distributor of solar lanterns, has been selected as recipient of the "2011 Special Achievement Award in Developing Local Markets" from the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air (PCIA).