ECOCA
Pesitho
ECOCA is a multi-purpose home cooking unit run by solar energy.
The ECOCA is a compact, self-contained, multi-purpose home cooking unit, run by solar energy. It is to be imagined as a fully working kitchen, which can provide an entire family in rural and off-grid areas with food and electricity throughout the entire day. It consists of an electric base, which includes a battery pack, a solar panel array and a highly insulated cooking pot. The product was designed and is manufactured by Pesitho. The manufacturing facilities are established in a local production facility in Lokopio Technological Center in Yumbe, Uganda.As of 2022, the retail price for one unit including all appliances (solar panel, torch, light, 2 insulated pots) produced and purchased in Uganda from the local production facility, is around 450 USD
Mainly Eastern Africa with strong focus on Uganda. Several pilot projects in other African countries such as Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique and Ghana. Initial pilot-project in Myanmar with potential to expand to other Southeast Asian countries.
The pilot units of this product are being distributed by the manufacturer through partner organizations. In Malawi, the company has partnered with the UN World Food Programme for its distribution. Other partners include Care, Caritas and Mercy Corps together with whom among other projects school- and community kitchens have been established. Pesitho partners with different organizations for distribution and financing.
As of 2022, the retail price for one unit including all appliances (solar panel, torch, light, 2 insulated pots) produced and purchased in Uganda from the local production facility, is around 450 USD.Interview with Pesitho in 2022
Similar products are available or in development, such as: GreenMax DC Induction cooker and SoULS PV Cook Stove in India, or Sunspot solar electric cooking system in the USA.
The primary group of beneficiaries are refugees from different central and east African countries that live in refugee camps close to the borders in the west and north of Uganda. Several pilot projects are now also targeting (peri-) urban markets to make the product available for purchase for other customers.Interview with Pesitho in 2022