Wayne Lumbasi
Innovation is not just about creating products; it is about transforming lives and shaping the future. At just 28 years old, Arnold Nyendwa is proving that bold ideas can redefine industries. His vision, drive, and creativity are inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, act bolder, and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Under Nyendwa’s leadership, AFNON has made significant strides on the global stage. In 2023, the company signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in China, unlocking access to industries collectively worth $10 billion+ annually. These agreements cover stoves, refrigerators, pressing irons, microwaves, electric kettles, bulbs, and food production. The company’s 10-year effort to build strong international relationships laid the foundation for this milestone expansion.
A cornerstone of AFNON’s growth is its state-of-the-art stove factory, which will produce 1 million units per month, totaling 12 million units annually, making it the largest stove manufacturing facility in Africa. This $200 million project involved careful negotiations to secure advanced machinery amid global supply chain challenges, reflecting AFNON’s commitment to excellence, scale, and innovation.
Nyendwa’s signature invention, the Juvin Stainless Hybrid Stove, operates on 3 energy sources: gas, electricity, and charcoal pellets, providing a versatile and sustainable solution for households worldwide. The stove has received global recognition, earning a place among the 1,000 most efficient solutions in the world, accredited by the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions under the Solar Impulse Foundation in Switzerland.
AFNON has accumulated nearly 40 international awards for clean technology innovation. In October 2023, the company became the first African-owned product to win the Sir Henry Royce Award in the UK, with Nyendwa honored as a Sir Henry Royce Prize recipient. These accolades cement his status as a global leader in sustainable innovation.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Nyendwa holds prestigious memberships as a Life Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in the UK and as a Member of the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation, reflecting his commitment to excellence, engineering, and technological progress.
Through vision, determination, and innovation, Arnold Nyendwa and AFNON are shaping the future of clean technology in Africa and globally. Their work demonstrates that with bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and relentless dedication, it is possible to transform industries, drive economic growth, and inspire generations.
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