ToughStuff Announced as a Finalist in the Ashden Awards

Published on 25 May 2011

ToughStuff International has been named as one of the international finalists for the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy 2011. ToughStuff produces solar powered energy solutions for the developing world, breaking the cycle of poverty while creating social and environmental benefits.

ToughStuff products combine high performance, durability and affordability while bringing sustainable light, mobile phone charging and radio to small households across Africa. ToughStuff’s African operations are supported by regional offices in Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg.

The company also distributes emergency kits in humanitarian crises, meeting the urgent energy needs of those affected by disaster and also creating long-term, sustainable outcomes for beneficiaries and their communities.  Over 50,000 ToughStuff kits have been distributed in Haiti and Pakistan and they have worked in close collaboration with international NGOs including Concern Worldwide, HelpAge International, Christian Aid and World Vision.

ToughStuff aims to reach nearly 14 million people in its first five years of trading, saving its customers nearly $115 million.  ToughStuff will also prevent the emission of over 220 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Roger Hattam, Group General Manager of ToughStuff, says “We’re honoured to be counted as an international finalist for the Ashden Awards. ToughStuff provides vital components for security and quality of life in developing countries, and in disaster hit zones. We help businesses form and develop at a grassroots level, thereby enhancing these communities in the long term. If the energy is sustainable, so are the benefits and we believe ToughStuff helps those communities achieve a better, safer environment.”

The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy were founded in 2001 to encourage the greater use of local clean energy to address climate change and alleviate poverty. Since then they have rewarded over 120 winners across the world. The Ashden Awards work to showcase and celebrate best practice, to encourage the expansion and replication of winner’s work, raise awareness of the potential of local sustainable energy and advocate on their winner’s behalf.

The Awards highlight organisations that provide policy-makers, businesses, NGOs and communities across the globe with pioneering real-life examples of how innovative and practical approaches to energy provision can work.  The overall winner of the Award will be announced on 16 June 2011.