3.2 million lives lost due to cooking
over fires each year.
You can change that.
Cooking over indoor fires is a cultural tradition, but the smoke is deadly.
Every year, 3.2 million lives are lost—
more than AIDS and Malaria combined.
Supported by
Chimneys for Africa
It's not just any chimney. This chimney is effective, culturally consonant and simple.
This is Mumma Walter, the first chimney recipient.
She used to cook everyday in a windowless hut over an open fire.
After the chimney was installed she hasn't looked back and uses it daily.
A year on, we reached out. She's moving house—one of her big concerns was making sure the chimney moved with her.
She waited till the chimney could move with her.
It works.
Introducing the Chimney
It takes just 3hrs to breathe better for life.
Step 1
A flat pack metal hood, cowl and pipe set—laser cut or hand cut using a stencil.
The IKEA of chimneys.
~30min
Step 2
The 2D chimney form is shaped by hand (rolled) into a cone and bolted together with 9 bolts.
Flue pipes are then bolted onto the cone.
~45min
Step 3
The chimney is installed through a small opening made in the roof and is topped with a cowl for maximum updraft and rain protection.
A specialised design exists for thatching.
~60min
Stage 2 Expedition 2025
Our 2025 Chimneys for Africa Expedition saw us assist communities to fabricate and install 50 chimneys. Ground was made establishing three social franchises for the work to continue in each of the locations we worked in through East Africa.
A key element of the project was using testing equipment, supplied by AirMet, to measure the amount of smoke women and children are exposed to during cooking. We were then able to test the difference the chimney made to smoke exposure. For more information on the testing see AirMet's Page.
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We are working with the air quality engineers from GHD to publish the full testing results in January 2026.
Latest Updates
About us
Innovative Solutions for Communities
Chimneys for Africa is dedicated to providing clean and culturally aligned ventilation systems to low-income and economically vulnerable communities in Africa initially, then spreading across the globe.
Listening is at the centre of our design process. We believe that it's only when you listen intentionally that good products can be created.
We are passionate creators who love people and are seeking to use what we have been given for good.
How you can help
Support Chimneys in Africa
We want to ensure that the chimney design is able to be manufactured and installed by local members of local communities.
So far, we've raised $42,000 towards our $100,000 goal that will enable us to establish 10 social franchise operations in Africa. Thank you for helping us address household air pollution in marginalised communities.
By supporting us, you are supporting the vision of empowering communities to address health issues related to Household Air Pollution. Help us get to our $100k goal!