RASMA - An Efficient Cook Stove Manufacturer in Zambia.

RASMA has been approved for AREED investment in June 2001. The AREED funds invested through the purchase of a 30% equity in Rasma Engineering will allow the company to increase its production of energy efficient cook stoves from less than 50 stoves per month to 600 per month. This experience combined with enterprise development services provided thorough AREED will allow for the development of a business plan and investment strategy to be put in place to scale up to 2,000 stoves per month.

Ninety-three percent of all households in Zambia cook with charcoal and traditional stoves that reach a 10% efficiency and only last for approximately 12 to 18 months. The thermal efficiency of the improved stove has been measured to be between 20-25% and its life span is estimated at 8 years. The attained higuer efficiencies will lead to significant savings in charcoal consumption by more than 50%.