A bold new initiative is set to revolutionize cooking in Ethiopia's rural areas, and it's all about harnessing the power of the sun! Green Scene Energy Plc has unveiled Tolo, a game-changer in the clean cooking space, offering a solar-powered stove at a price that's a whopping 25-30% lower than its competitors. But here's where it gets controversial... this innovative stove is not just for those with access to electricity; it's designed to bring clean cooking to households off the grid too!
Tolo operates on solar energy through Direct Current Charging (DCC), making it versatile for both on-grid and off-grid use. Green Scene Energy plans an innovative distribution model, partnering with microfinance institutions and local retailers to make Tolo accessible through a pay-as-you-go system.
"Tolo is our answer to the energy needs of households lacking electricity and those seeking a greener, more efficient alternative to traditional biomass and charcoal," explains Rekike Bekele, CEO of Green Scene Energy.
With a daily production capacity of over 200 units at their factory in Addis Ababa's Kotebe neighborhood, Green Scene Energy has already supplied over 9,000 solar energy products nationwide and is now expanding into solar appliance manufacturing.
The rising electricity tariffs in Ethiopia, influenced by cost-recovery reforms, inflation, and increasing demand, have made solar solutions more appealing than ever. As of September 2025, an astonishing 45% of Ethiopians still live off the grid, primarily in rural areas.
This launch is a significant step towards achieving Ethiopia's Clean Cooking Programme (2035) and National Carbon Market Strategy (2025-2035), which aim to increase access to modern cooking energy and reduce household carbon emissions.
So, what do you think? Is Tolo the future of clean cooking in Ethiopia? Or are there potential challenges and considerations we should be aware of? Feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
