067 Development of distribution channels to upscale sawdust stove sale

Partner
Kisangani Blacksmith and Renewable Technology Company Ltd (KIBARTCo)

Status
Closed

Project description

The Kisangani Blacksmith Group is based in Njombe, Tanzania. KSG trains and employs disadvantaged young people, enabling them to make and sell tools in three workshops. Existing sales show growth of market potential for KSG’s products and tools. Late 2009 / early 2010 Triodos Facet has provided business skills coaching to KSG during two coaching visits. A business plan, marketing strategy and a draft franchisee agreement are concrete outputs of these sessions. Before, KSG combined business activities with charity work. To create more transparency, management decided to create a new company: Kisangani Blacksmith and Renewable Technology Company Limited, to house the commercial activities. A key challenge for KSG is to develop its markets in order to be profitable. This project aims to support KSG in its efforts to upscale the markets for two popular new technologies: sawdust stoves and rope pumps. In addition, continued coaching support will be needed to strengthen the financial management of the company and the creation of a network of sales agents.