POCERAM – a CATAL1.5°T accelerator success story from Burkina Faso

POCERAM was established by Mamoudou Traore in 1975 after his studies in Seoul, South Korea. Initially focused on training people with disabilities in the ceramics trade, POCERAM aimed to provide independence and vocational training opportunities to marginalized individuals. The Burkinabe company still produces vases, soup tureens, tea and coffee sets, but over time it has evolved into a more dynamic venture with a broader focus. Today, POCERAM BRIQUETERIE SARL is a benchmark manufacturer, producing high-quality stoves with ceramic inserts and building materials that contribute to climate action.

It addresses critical issues in Burkina Faso, where access to energy is a worrying issue. The main source of energy, wood, is in serious decline, which is why improved stoves and building materials with better thermal insulation are a key step in fighting climate change in the West African country. They reduce the need for fuel and stabilise internal temperatures in private and public buildings. This enhances energy efficiency and reduces energy consumption and deforestation.

"Our mission has always been centred around contributing to environmental preservation and the safety of families through sustainable, local products," says Bintou Traore, Managing Director of POCERAM. With her over ten-year experience in sales and marketing, she is responsible for defining the company's major orientations and its visibility and performance – always supported and advised by founder and ceramics expert Mamoudou Traore.

POCERAM is currently looking to scale. But before large-scale production, the company tested the market and proved that the need for high-quality improved stoves for attractive prices is growing in Burkina Faso. Considering this, the present extension project will increase its operational capacity.

Its participation in our accelerator programme has provided the support necessary to expand POCERAM’s efforts to avoid greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable and ecological solutions. Sinergi Burkina, an investment fund working with CATAL1.5°T implementation partner Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), made this opportunity possible. “One of Sinergi’s managers spoke to us about the opportunity, and we submitted our application because CATAL1.5°’s objectives are directly in line with our own, maintaining global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions," shares Bintou Traore.

The CATAL1.5°T accelerator has guided POCERAM in streamlining its operations and scaling its production, particularly for improved stoves and fired bricks – products that are essential for reducing energy consumption in households. "One highlight of the programme was understanding and detecting the climate impact and potential linked to our products," Bintou explains. "It was inspiring to see how committed and passionate the CATAL1.5°T team is in supporting climate ventures and ensuring they understand the programme."

"Our participation in the CATAL1.5°T Initiative will allow us to explore new markets, develop high-quality energy-efficient materials for construction and several other products, and expand our presence in the sub-region," expects Bintou. ”But first, we need to obtain the repayable grant.”

The challenge for POCERAM has been scaling up production to reduce costs and make products more accessible to the broader population. With the repayable grant provided by the Initiative, the company plans to purchase new production equipment, which will allow them to increase production capacity and make their products available at more affordable prices. This scaling effort aims to reduce greenhouse gases in the short, medium, and long term, while also expanding their impact beyond Burkina Faso.

POCERAM is also deeply committed to gender inclusivity, an area that aligns closely with the focus of the CATAL1.5°T programmes. "We believe gender equality is vital for sustainable development," says Bintou. The company has implemented a gender equality policy, recruited women for various roles in the production process, and actively participates in gender forums to promote equality. With support from CATAL1.5°T, POCERAM continues to promote an inclusive work environment, ensuring that gender inclusivity is part of its growth and innovation strategy. These efforts reflect both POCERAM's and the Initiative's commitment to fostering the full potential of human resources to drive sustainable development.