“Given that Zambia’s national electricity grid reaches less than 40% of the population, the need for additional and alternative sources of energy is considerable.”

GreenLaiti Ltd aims to manufacture and supply ethanol-based cooking and lighting fuels to replace paraffin and charcoal in local communities in Zambia. GreenLaitit’s energy products are manufactured using ethanol-based GreenGel (for which GreenLaiti hold a licence) and are distributed through networks of locally employed women and youth. The model will start as a hub-and-spoke direct retail model with an outlet and warehouse located in densely populated cities, but will eventually be developed into a community-focused distribution strategy using existing and newly established microenterprises for distribution. GreenLaiti aims to open warehouses and distribution networks in at least three towns in Zambia.

Given that Zambia’s national electricity grid reaches less than 40% of the population the need for additional and alternative sources of energy is considerable and creates an opportunity for GreenLaiti in the Zambian energy market. As GreenLaiti expands, the aim is for its network of low-income distributors to expand too, offering commercial opportunities for both existing and new retailers.

The project will benefit low income consumers through access to cheaper forms of cooking and lighting fuel, and reduction of respiratory diseases associated with use of charcoal and other dirty fuels. The project also has the potential to generate employment in production of crop-based raw materials that GreenLaiti may use to produce ethanol.

IAP resources will go towards supporting the growth of GreenLaiti operations in Zambia and developing marketing, promotional and awareness raising strategies.