From Waste to Wealth: The Ndzilo Charcoal Breakthrough

In a world urgently searching for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, innovation is no longer confined to high-tech labs or global powerhouses—it’s emerging from the heart of the kasi. At the forefront of this movement is Given Ngwamba, founder of Ndzilo Charcoal, a pioneering startup turning everyday organic waste into eco-friendly, affordable charcoal.

In this powerful conversation recorded at the Standard Bank Kasi Summit, Ngwamba shares the journey behind Ndzilo Charcoal—one rooted in purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to community impact. What began as a simple idea has evolved into a business tackling two critical challenges at once: reducing environmental waste and providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels.

More than just a startup story, this is a glimpse into the future of African entrepreneurship—where innovation meets necessity, and where solutions built in townships have the potential to scale far beyond them.