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So how did we get into the chimney business? It begins with a community in the Simanjiro desert, a nurse and a baby with a troubling cough. The community was one I was familiar with—I had had the privilege of collaborating with them on some of their music productions before; the nurse was my mother—you could say I was familiar with her also; the baby was new to me, as was that awful, chest-tearing cough. Sadly, I am more familiar with that sound now.  In her attempt to diagnose the cough, my mother asked a few probing questions. It did not take her long to determine that the child had bronchitis, brought on by prolonged exposure to smoke. She asked if the baby—a little girl—was always strapped to her mother’s back during cooking, she was. The fire always inside? Yes. And the door always closed? Again, yes. My mother asked her interpreter, a leader in the community with a strong track record for advocating changes to cultural practices that impacted health outcomes, if there was any possibility of changing this  practice for the sake of the mother’s own health as well as that of her child. He said there was not. He seemed quite sure, sure enough that the discussion ended there. A visit to the local health clinic was recommended and the conversation moved on to burn treatments—another side-effect of childhoods spent in close proximity to open flames. As neither a health worker nor an engineer, it would be several years and a rather different context before I would have reason to revisit that conversation. My husband, David, and I entered a biomedical hackathon at our university in Scotland. Neither of us was studying in the relevant department, but we were bored with our theoretical degrees and looking for something hands-on to do.  On the first day of the competition, the topic was announced: Global Health Problems. Like a shot, that encounter in Simanjiro came to mind. I couldn’t say why. The association was immediate. Could it be serious enough to be deemed a ‘Global Health problem’, though? A brief hunt on Google—one-third of the world’s population dependent on open fires or inefficient stoves for cooking, and 4 million deaths per year attributed to indoor air pollution—changed my perception of the scope of this issue dramatically, and we haven’t turned back since. We went on to win first prize with our ‘Vesma’ ventilation unit. A heavily engineered fan unit powered by a falling weight. This design went on to win further grant funds at other university competitions, allowing us to continue working on the first prototype. Very cutting edge. Everyone loves clever tech.  A brief phone call to another organisation using similar technology, however, foretold the end of our first prototype. Nobody can be bothered lifting a weight every ten minutes, and manufacturing and maintenance costs are prohibitive. Vesma? Ves-nah. It is surprisingly difficult to put aside an exciting and innovative design solution. Even when we had a considerable body of evidence to say that it simply wasn’t what people wanted. The trash heap of development is replete with fancy and fashionable ideas that look great on a PowerPoint but are ill-suited to the lifestyles of the people they were ostensibly created to serve.  This feedback helped us refocus on our design criteria. No piece of tech, no matter how clever, is of any value if it is not designed with the end user in mind.  I wouldn’t say our chimney is innovative, but it works. It is flat packed for your convenience (IKEA would be proud), locally manufactured, and easy to install (my dear husband forgot to take his tool kit after lugging it all the way to Kenya, so the first unit was installed with a literal rock and an equally literal pocket knife), no maintenance required. Best of all, it doesn’t require a user manual or an education programme. Just cook, Mama!

Stage 1 (Completed March 2024):  In March 2024, our team travelled to Kenya and Tanzania to coordinate the manufacturing and installation of our first prototype.  There were several key elements of this trip: 1. Establish Supplier Relationships —We were able to spend time at Ken’s Metal Industries in Nairobi and see first hand their manufacturing capability and quality. The laser cutting was of high standard and they have the ability to scale production. 2. Install and Test a Chimney —we were able to meet with a local community through our contacts in Tanzania.  They were willing for us to install a chimney in their cooking hut.  We installed the chimney and were able, through an interpreter, to receive feedback once we had installed the chimney.   Initial Feedback:  they were very grateful that they could cook without smoke and were happy with how the product worked.    3. Observe —We were able to observe how this community lived and cooked—how they build fires, the materials and construction methods used to build cooking huts and the cultural significance of food.   Key Observation:  Mumma Walter (the first chimney recipient) was able to build a fire and commence cooking under the new chimney immediately—the design is intuitive.    4. Prepare —The prototype expedition galvanised the need to address household air pollution as the practice of cooking over fires indoors was observed to be ubiquitous throughout the rural and semi-urban areas of Tanzania and Kenya that we travelled. Stage 2 (January 2025 to December 2025)  We aim to  develop a network of local manufacturers, distributors and installers who install chimneys in local communities.  Vision: Chimneys for Africa—we are seeking  long term local chimney partners  in a variety of regional and cultural contexts: urban, rural and remote, across southern and eastern Africa. Mission: Staying in  local communities  (where invited) to establish partner connections and introduce the chimney project For more details refer to the Community Engagement Expedition Overview Stage 3 (January 2026 to June 2026)  After the initial installation phase, it is important to follow up with monitoring and evaluation in order to confirm design efficacy and cultural consonsance .  Determine 5 key locations where the chimneys could be rolled out at scale by local manufacturers and installers. Assess the long term viability of the chimney product in its current form: Travel back through community installation sites and listen and observe—determine existing product usage and whether design changes are required Connect with the network of identified suppliers and discuss scale, manufacturing capability and supply chain Workshop with potential installers to establish business frameworks and installation timelines Stage 4 (July 2026 to December 2026)  Scaling the chimney rollout in 5 key locations that we have identified through the monitoring and evaluation stage.

When it comes to improving living conditions in African villages, access to clean air is a crucial factor. Chimneys for Africa is a unique business that is dedicated to providing chimney installation services to low-income communities across Africa. Originally founded in Australia, the business is now making a move to Africa to directly impact the lives of those in need. Chimneys for Africa offers a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each village. This includes conducting research on suitable chimney designs that are suitable for different countries in Africa. By taking into account factors such as climate and local building materials, the business ensures that the chimneys are not only effective but also sustainable in the long run. One of the key aspects of Chimneys for Africa's services is the installation process. The team works closely with community members to install the chimneys in their homes, ensuring that they are properly fitted and safe to use. In addition to installation, the business also follows up with the community to ensure that the chimneys are meeting their needs and making a positive impact on their daily lives. Beyond the practical aspect of their work, Chimneys for Africa is also committed to raising funds for their initiatives. In essence, Chimneys for Africa is not just about installing chimneys – it is about empowering people to improve their living conditions and create a sustainable future. Through their dedication and innovative approach, they are making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Sustainable Chimney Solutions for Low-Income Communities in Africa As we become more aware of the impact of indoor air pollution on health, finding sustainable solutions to combat this issue becomes crucial, especially for low-income communities in Africa. Chimneys for Africa is a pioneering business dedicated to providing sustainable chimney solutions for villages across the continent, with a focus on research, installation, and follow-up support. Our team at Chimneys for Africa has conducted extensive research on chimney designs that are tailored to the specific needs and environments of different countries in Africa. By understanding the unique challenges faced by community members, we are able to provide effective and efficient solutions that can improve indoor air quality and overall living conditions. One of the key aspects of our work is the installation of chimneys in communities, ensuring that each chimney is properly set up and ready to use. We work closely with local communities to educate them on the importance of using chimneys for ventilation and to provide ongoing support to address any issues that may arise. At Chimneys for Africa, we also believe in the power of communication to drive positive change. Through our website, we aim to raise funds for our projects, share our mission and goals, and engage with supporters who believe in the transformative impact of sustainable chimney solutions. Our upcoming relocation to Africa further solidifies our commitment to serving communities in need across the continent. By focusing on sustainable chimney solutions, we hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of low-income and economically vulnerable communities in Africa. Our dedication to research, installation, and support sets us apart as a business that is not only driven by profit but by a genuine desire to improve the health and well-being of communities in need. Join us in our mission to provide sustainable chimney solutions for low-income villagers in Africa. Together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Clean air is essential for our health and well-being, yet many low-income communities in Africa are still exposed to harmful smoke from cooking indoors. This not only leads to respiratory issues but also contributes to environmental pollution. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon with a new initiative called Chimneys for Africa. Chimneys for Africa is a business that is on a mission to make a positive impact by providing clean air solutions for African communities. They specialize in researching and designing chimneys tailored to different countries in Africa, ensuring that each village receives a chimney that suits their specific needs. The team at Chimneys for Africa also takes care of the installation process and follows up with villagers to ensure that the chimneys are functioning effectively and making a difference in their lives. What sets Chimneys for Africa apart is their dedication to raising funds for their initiatives and engaging with the community through their website. By sharing their goals, motivations, and the reasons behind their efforts, they are able to build a strong support network and inspire others to join their cause. The business, originally established in Australia, is now moving to Africa to be closer to the communities they serve and have a more significant impact on the ground. Supporting clean air initiatives like Chimneys for Africa is crucial for creating a healthier and more sustainable future for all. By improving air quality in villages and reducing indoor pollution, we can protect the health of families, preserve the environment, and support overall well-being in these communities. If you are passionate about environmental conservation, public health, and making a difference in the world, consider getting involved with Chimneys for Africa. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about their cause, every little bit helps to support clean air initiatives and create a brighter future for African communities. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has access to clean air and a healthy environment. Let's support initiatives like Chimneys for Africa and work towards a cleaner, healthier future for all.