Vangreen Enterprise, founded by Maurine Birir, is a Kenyan social enterprise tackling deforestation, energy poverty and agricultural waste mismanagement. Using plasma pyrolysis technology, Vangreen transforms agricultural residues such as corn cobs, sugarcane waste and coffee husks into clean-burning charcoal briquettes and biochar, providing an affordable and more sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based fuels for households, SMEs and institutions. Through its circular business model, Vangreen also purchases agricultural residues from local farmers, creating additional income opportunities while diverting waste from open burning and disposal. By converting agricultural waste into productive energy solutions, the enterprise contributes to reduced pressure on forests, lower carbon emissions and more sustainable rural livelihoods.

Vangreen Enterprise will leverage RAMA Impact’s support to double its monthly production capacity from approximately 15 to 30 tonnes, increase revenue by at least 50%, increase by at least 30% the number of smallholder farmers and suppliers earning income from agricultural residues, divert at least 2,000 tonnes of agricultural waste from open burning or disposal, create at least 3 additional direct jobs with a continued focus on women and youth and contribute to the preservation of at least 50,000 trees through the increased production and use of agricultural-waste briquettes as an alternative to wood-based charcoal, over a period of 18 months.