Creating futures: how EGA empowers women at every step of the clean cooking journey
When Salome Masina, then a shop assistant at EGA’s Malawi factory store, was told that she had sold products worth 100 million kwacha in a single month, she could hardly believe it. The figure felt unreal. The recognition of being a top salesperson came as a surprise. But she was delighted – it showed her that her hard work mattered.
“Customers trust our brand because they believe we offer original, high-quality products that deliver genuine value for money,” she says.
Her milestone reflects the broader aims of Ener-G-Africa (EGA) in Malawi. As we grow our clean cooking and clean energy operations, we’re not only distributing stoves, solar systems and LPG cylinders, but creating jobs, building skills and opening pathways that did not exist before.
Salome’s journey
Salome joined EGA as a casual worker in the factory. Within a month, after demonstrating a strong work ethic and quickly learning how the machines operated, she was offered a formal contract.
She spent time understanding how different stove components were produced. As the company expanded, so did her opportunities, and she was promoted to Packaging Supervisor.
For Salome, her work at EGA has always carried meaning. The parts she helped produce were not just metal and components. They were part of stoves that would improve lives in Malawi and beyond, reducing smoke exposure and cutting fuel costs for families.
Over time, Salome saw how EGA encouraged people to stretch themselves. Inspired by our people and our culture, she decided to move from factory work into retail.
Sales Manager Osbert Kodo had noticed her potential early on. “She is a hard worker and eager to learn more. She is a go-getter,” he says.
While she was still in the factory, she occasionally joined the sales team during stove demonstrations and contributed ideas. When the busy factory shop needed extra support, she stepped in to assist.
The environment forced her to learn quickly. She built her own customer base and demonstrated both confidence and consistency. It was not long before she was permanently moved into the sales department.
Today, she is one of our top sales performers and Osbert shares she has been moved to the EGA Senti retail shop due to her community marketing skills. We’re proud of her and what she’s achieved.
“My advice to women in the workplace is this: work hard, stay focused, and never let anyone make you feel small or unworthy,” says Salome.
“There will always be voices that try to discourage you, but your determination should speak louder. Believe in your abilities, because confidence is one of the strongest tools you can carry. Remember, anything is possible when you commit yourself fully and push beyond your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Even if you fail, you will have gained experience, wisdom, and strength, far more valuable than the regret of never trying at all. Most importantly, never doubt that you deserve a better life. You are worthy of growth, opportunity, and success. Keep moving forward with courage, because your future is shaped by the risks you take and the resilience you carry within you.”
From employee to future entrepreneur
Working in sales has changed how Salome sees herself. She has developed retail management skills, strengthened her customer service abilities and learned how to market products effectively to people from different backgrounds.
These experiences have given her a new ambition. One day, she hopes to run her own business as a long-term investment for her family.
She credits EGA’s management for supporting her journey. “They placed their trust in me and recognised the potential I carried,” she says. Consistent guidance and mentorship helped her build confidence step by step.
Her progress has encouraged others across the Malawi team. It demonstrates that women can move from technical roles into customer-facing leadership positions and excel.
Creating futures at scale
EGA plans to continue expanding and training more staff in the future. We are deeply committed to local manufacturing in Africa, which includes skills development and job creation. As demand for clean cooking and solar solutions grows, so does the need for skilled people who can manufacture, market and sell them.
Stay connected for more updates about our people and projects on our news page.
