Avo Solutions
What began as a side project in Given Ngwamba’s garage in Mpumalanga has evolved into a thriving business within the eco-friendly charcoal industry. Despite holding a Diploma in Sound Engineering from the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, Given faced unemployment. Turning to innovation, he developed environmentally friendly methods to produce charcoal and biochar from agricultural waste, including groundnuts, sugarcane, macadamia shells, and mango leaves. Today, his business, TNK Greenhouse Technology, produces green briquettes popular for their long-burning characteristics.
In 2023, TNK Greenhouse Technology joined Avo Vision’s Social Employment Fund (SEF) phase two, marking a turning point. The business, which started with only three workers, expanded to 15 employees, boosting production from 200 to up to 500 bags of briquettes per month. This increase was largely thanks to the SEF programme, which covers human resource costs through employment stimulus funding.
While TNK Greenhouse Technology saw steady growth, one of the challenges has been acquiring a briquette-making machine, which would significantly enhance production. Despite this, the business has gained market traction with its brand “Ndzilo,” meaning “fire” in XiTsonga. Today, Ndzilo briquettes are stocked in major retailers, such as Pick n Pay and Spar, with over 17,629 kg of briquettes produced and significant sales growth.
As part of SEF’s third phase, launched in August 2024, TNK Greenhouse Technology now employs 17 previously unemployed participants. These individuals not only gain job experience but also attend Avo Vision’s ‘Boosting Your Income’ training, equipping them with entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills to ensure sustainability should SEF support cease.
Avo Vision’s training modules, such as ‘Boost Your Income,’ reach participants across South Africa through online platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. This community-based training empowers participants with financial skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and a pathway to job security or business creation.
TNK Greenhouse Technology isn’t just stopping at briquettes. The company is diversifying into biochar for soil amendment in agriculture and plans to expand into firelighters. Given’s advice to aspiring green entrepreneurs: “Follow your passions and your dreams. Green businesses are challenging, but with courage, doors will open.”
