Long before the clean cooking hype, a group of innovators in Tanzania set out to change the local community’s cooking behaviour, which relies on wood and charcoal for fuel. They started their mission in 2017 through research to confirm the viability of cost-effective clean cooking technologies.

"We decided to engage in research with other partners," says Shukuru Meena, Company Manager, SESCOM. After rigorous assessments, they concluded that cooking with electricity using efficient appliances was not only feasible but also remarkably affordable. With these findings, SESCOM was born, a company dedicated to bringing cost effective clean cooking solutions to Tanzanian households.

In 2020, they officially launched their business, introducing the showcase product—an electric pressure cooker, a game changer appliance with exceptional insulation and safety features. The pressure cooker quickly won the hearts of local community members, and the company sold 3523 units between launch and 2023.

The impact of SESCOM's venture goes beyond the kitchen through job creation. Their business model involves engaging sales agents from the very communities they serve. This approach boosts socio-economic activities in the area, contributing to improved living standards. It's a win-win situation where the community benefits from improved cooking methods and enjoys economic growth.

A common misconception among end users is that electricity costs are high. One of SESCOM's proudest achievements is changing the mindset of Tanzanians. Through practical demonstrations and advocacy, they have succeeded in educating users that cooking with electricity is a feasible and practical choice. This transformation in mindset has been vital in achieving their mission.

Through critical interventions such as the European Union (EU) funded CookFund Programme, SESCOM’s remarkable journey has gained traction in accelerating the rollout of their clean cooking technology for easier access by the end user at an affordable price. The programme's subsidy ensures more people can purchase this life-changing appliance, advancing SESCOM's mission and expanding its reach by doubling the number of units sold to 6510 over a one-year period.

As the programme beneficiary shares, “Thanks to SESCOM's initiatives, my life has completely changed. Before, I depended on charcoal for cooking, which was exhausting and risky. Leaving food on an open flame while attending to my child used to put him in danger of burns, and the constant exposure to smoke often left my eyes irritated.”

With the electric pressure cooker provided through SESCOM's efforts and the EU-funded CookFund Programme, cooking has become much easier and safer. I no longer worry about my child's safety and am much less tired. Thanks to the program's subsidy, this appliance is affordable to more people like me, improving our quality of life and making clean cooking a reality."

Beyond their business success, SESCOM's initiative aligns with Tanzania's climate change commitment to increase access to clean cooking solutions to 80% of the population by 2034, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

The story of SESCOM is not just about clean cooking; it's about the determination to find local solutions to address pressing challenges through innovation for positive impact. They've brought light to Tanzanian kitchens and the lives of countless families, proving that a small idea can significantly affect an entire community and population at large.