Uganda, Kigali/Rwanda, May 2025: Our high-efficiency wood-burning stoves are now available in Uganda, East Africa. Following a successful pilot phase, we have delivered 2,500 Save 80 stoves to Uganda from our production facility in neighboring Rwanda. Of these, 800 stoves are already in use by households.
The Save 80 stove offers a climate-friendly alternative to traditional open-fire cooking. It significantly improves daily life for families by reducing the need to purchase or collect large quantities of firewood. In rural Uganda, families spend around a quarter of their monthly income—approximately €12—on firewood. Women – who traditionally provide care work for the household – often spend hours gathering wood.
Since the 1990s, Uganda has lost roughly 60% of its forested area. Illegal logging for agriculture and firewood production continues to threaten the remaining forests, with the country losing 2.6% of its forest cover annually. By reducing firewood demand, the Save 80 stove creates an opportunity for reforestation efforts to succeed.
The stove is extremely efficient. When combined with the atmosfair ‘Wonderbox’ — a device that allows food to continue cooking without added heat — it can reduce firewood consumption by up to 90%, without compromising performance. Smoke emissions are also significantly lower. “Families using the Save 80 not only save time and money on firewood, they’re also exposed to far less harmful smoke while cooking,” says atmosfair project manager Immo Böhning.
Built to last, the stoves often remain in daily use for over ten years. Users don’t need to change their cooking habits—the Save 80 is designed to accommodate traditional cooking methods. Compared to open-fire cooking, it is not only more efficient but also safer and more ergonomic. This is made possible by durable stainless steel construction and a design tailored to the needs of local households.
Local Manufacturing and Value Creation
atmosfair prioritizes local value creation in its production process. This reduces costs and boosts employment. Assembly of the Save 80 takes place in Kigali, Rwanda, using stainless steel sourced from South Africa. The Rwandan facility employs over 50 people, with additional jobs created in distribution.
The stove project goes far beyond climate protection. It contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, health and well-being, and economic development through decent work.
High Demand for Efficient Cooking Solutions
Demand for the Save 80 stove remains strong. In Rwanda, more than 130,000 units are already in use. “We regularly receive inquiries from neighboring countries asking how the Save 80 can be made available there,” says Böhning. “With the expansion into Uganda, we’re now able to meet some of that demand.” Feedback from Ugandan customers has been overwhelmingly positive. A delivery of another 1,000 stoves is planned in the near future.
Climate Protection and Improved Living Conditions
In addition to Rwanda, atmosfair also manufactures the Save 80 in Nigeria. Across Africa, the stove helps save over 400,000 tons of CO₂ annually while improving living conditions for thousands of families.
To learn more about our climate protection project in Rwanda and how you can support it, visit our project page.
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