Technologies include locally designed brickmaking that uses less material, designs that reduce temperatures in the hot Ugandan climate, custom biodigesters, and solar water and electricity installations to keep utility costs down.
A teacher by training, Rweyora began working on the idea after volunteering in South Sudan as a social worker, she felt that home ownership should be more attainable to the average working woman.
Smart Havens Africa builds houses in areas where homes are predominantly rented out by wealthier landlords. The company, a team of 12 now in their third year, receives applications from prospective owners – mostly women – who will rent-to-own over a period of only five years.
During construction, the team also trains more artisans than needed, offering bricklaying and other training sessions for free to men and women in the area.
