In 2015, at 18, Arnold Nyendwa created Africa's first stainless steel stove to address Zambia's severe electricity shortages. Constructed from scrap metal, the stove supports LP gas, electricity, and solid fuels, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wood and charcoal stoves. This innovation led Nyendwa to establish Venturas Jumpstart, which rebranded as AFNON in 2021. Partnering with the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association, AFNON now distributes these stoves and plans to open assembling plants internationally, creating jobs and addressing energy poverty. AFNON's vision is to create a conglomerate, leveraging these partnerships and investments to drive growth, innovation, and economic development in the region.
AFNON has made significant strides in its expansion efforts, signing 7 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in China in 2023. These agreements pave the way for the company's entry into various industries, including stove, refrigerator, pressing irons , microwave, electric kettle, bulb, and food manufacturing Worth over $10 billion in annual revenues. Over the past decade, AFNON has fostered strong relationships with Chinese partners, laying the groundwork for this significant milestone.
Recently, the company is focused on establishing a state-of-the-art stove factory, with a production capacity of 1 million units per month 12 million annual output, the largest in Africa.
This project, valued at $20 million, has required diligent negotiations to secure the necessary machinery & equipment, given the global supply chain challenges.
Arnold Nyendwa, a distinguished entrepreneur and CEO of AFNON, has achieved remarkable success at the age of 27. His innovative spirit has led to the development of the Juvin stainless hybrid stove, a revolutionary product that operates on three energy sources: gas, electricity, and charcoal pellets.
This stove has garnered global recognition, earning a spot among the 1000 Efficient Solutions in the world, as accredited by the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions under the Solar Impulse Foundation in Switzerland.
Under Nyendwa's leadership, AFNON has accumulated nearly 40 global awards for its clean tech innovation, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the industry. Recently, the company made history by becoming the first African-owned innovative product to be nominated for and win the esteemed Sir Henry Royce Award in the UK in October 2023. Nyendwa's achievements have earned him recognition as a Sir Henry Royce Prize Honoree, a testament to his dedication to innovation and sustainability.
In addition to his impressive achievements, Nyendwa has been honored with two prestigious memberships:
- Life Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in the UK, recognizing his contributions to the field of engineering and technology.
- Member of the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation, founded by the legendary founder of Rolls-Royce cars, acknowledging his commitment to innovation and excellence.
- Nyendwa's work continues to inspire and shape the future of clean tech solutions globally, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and beyond.
