Zambia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project recruits and trains local Community-Based Distributors who sell affordable solar lanterns to people who cannot afford the more extensive solar home systems, in addition to providing last-mile repair services for solar products.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup democratizes affordable solar energy solutions for underserved communities where many cannot afford the larger SHSs. In this regard, we identify, recruit, and train local Community-Based Distributors who can distribute cost-effective lanterns. This not only bring sustainable energy to those in need but also empowers local entrepreneurs to create jobs and stimulate economic growth within the community. We have gone further to institute a last-mile repair service to ensure products—some of which were distributed two to three years ago—are sustained with long life. Fixing minor things such as battery replacements and other small repairs enables these products to give users reliable energy, enhancing their value and utility.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The severe rural and peri-urban energy poverty problem in Zambia today is one whereby the more significant part of communities are without access to affordable and reliable electricity. While larger SHSs are becoming popular, a significant proportion of the population at large just cannot afford such solutions. Our work will be majorly done in giving out low-cost solar lanterns to poor communities that hardly have clean, sustainable lights. Besides, we are working on the challenges of nonworking solar products by setting up a last-mile repair service that allows for the servicing and fixing solar devices that have stopped functioning due to simple reasons such as battery replacements. In this twofold approach, there is an immediate solution to energy needs while providing longevity and sustainability to these products within the communities. In so doing, we will promote better quality of life, reinvigorate economic opportunities, and ensure the sustainability of our environment.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Affordability and Accessibility: Our solar lanterns make energy more affordable for both rural and peri-urban communities that cannot afford larger solar home systems, thus ensuring that even the most constrained financially in society have access to clean, reliable light, reducing dependency on kerosene lamps. Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Our solar lighting contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions and the development of renewable energies. Last-mile repair enhances sustainability by extending the life of solar products, thereby reducing e-waste and other forms of waste and ensuring continued use of solar-powered devices. Economic and Social Empowerment: Better quality of life and new chances of economic improvement at a household and small business level improve access to reliable illumination. Now, children in these countries can study after dark; other businesses can work for longer hours. Our repair service also provides local employment and builds expertise.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our startup aims to provide products and services to rural and peri-urban communities without reliable electricity, benefiting various people. Low-income households, small businesses, and students require affordable, reliable lighting solutions for homes, business operations, and educational outcomes. Kerosene lamps and candles are inefficient and unsafe, while better lighting aids in studying and improves educational outcomes and productivity. Community-Based Distributors: The system involves the training of local people in selling and servicing solar lanterns to gain both employment and technical skills. It targets these groups to improve the quality of life, spur economic development, and foster sustainable growth in unserved and underserved regions.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-04-13

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Peter Mwanza is one of the critical co-owners in our startup, whereby he liberally inputs his fine-grain experience in marketing and sales. Having studied Mass Communications and Entrepreneurship, Peter has proves excellent at designing and executing strategic marketing plans that foster business growth for the team. He has led several campaigns, securing relevant partners and growing markets. His experience stretches to working with diverse teams on sales operations management for customer satisfaction and the generation of revenue streams. He has been instrumental in the progress of our startup because of his ability to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and implement effective sales strategies. His commitment to understanding customer needs and delivering tailored solutions built strong relationships with our target audience. Moreover, Peter's passion for social impact and commitment to improving energy access in underserved communities align perfectly with our mission.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://web.facebook.com/Instive/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The startup is working towards the No Poverty goal by providing affordable solar lanterns to underserved communities. This empowers local Community-Based Distributors to sell the lanterns, creating jobs. The company also offers last-mile repair services, extending the life cycle of solar devices and reducing costs. This helps communities improve productivity, lift themselves out of poverty, and promote economic resilience and sustainable development.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Zero hunger is supported because it avails cheap solar lanterns for extended work time, which may be offset by better crop management and post-harvest activities. Energy costs can be saved for better agricultural inputs and enhancing food security. Trainings offered in products to Community-Based Distributors generate wage employment, and last-mile repair services ensure device functionality. This adds up to better food security and nutrition among the rural poor.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

The company, through the solar lantern replacing kerosene lamps, dramatically contributes to the Good Health and Wellbeing goal by reducing indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution is one of the major causes of respiratory and other health problems, so their replacement can make a big difference. Such actions can further positively impact the well-being and educational outcomes of children by extension during study hours. High-quality and pocket-friendly lighting solutions further reduce the incidence of accidents caused by poor lighting and improve home safety. Our solar lanterns also improve access to healthcare at night, especially in rural areas, through reliable lighting for medical treatments and emergencies, promoting healthy lives and well-being for all ages.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our start-up works toward the goal of Quality Education by donating affordable solar lanterns, which enable students in rural and peri-urban areas to study after dark. Prolonged study time is essential in improving academic performance and achieving educational milestones. Reliable lighting supports adult education programs, therefore offering opportunities for lifelong learning. Moreover, our training of the local Community-Based Distributors includes education on various aspects of business skills, providing for continuous personal and professional development. By improving access to energy for better lighting, we create an enabling environment for learning that promotes inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Specifically, our startup supports the goal of gender equality by empowering women to work as Community-Based Distributors of solar lanterns, further providing them with the opportunity for income generation and fostering financial independence. Access to affordable lighting from solar lighting permits women and girls to study and be productive after dark, thus developing personally and professionally. Moreover, quality lighting instills a sense of more safety within households and specifically benefits women and children—vulnerable to accidents and security risks. If we can cure energy poverty, therefore, it fundamentally leads toward the creation of more impartial conditions vis-à-vis women and girls, hence their financial and social empowerment.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our startup makes a solid contribution to the Sustainable Goal of Affordable and Clean Energy through solar lantern distribution in underserved communities with no access to reliable electricity. In fractional comparison, such solar lamps offer an affordable and sustainable alternative to kerosene lamps and candles that are hazardous to health and the environment while being expensive. We would like to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and promote environmental sustainability through solar energy. Additionally, with our professional last-mile repair services, solar products are guaranteed longevity and efficiency, thus bringing them more impactfully to humanity and making them more reliable. This, therefore, means direct support in access to modern, clean, and reliable energy for all in a rural and peri-urban setup through these products.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

This considerably contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating a local employment base by recruiting and training community-based distributors. These CBDs sell solar lanterns and render after-sales maintenance services, thereby propagating skill development with entrepreneurship within such communities. Therefore, by giving them a little knowledge and empowerment with resources, we enhance their economic stability and enforce sustainable livelihoods. By providing reliable solar power to small businesses, we allow them to increase productivity, lower operational costs, and expand markets, stimulating broad economic growth. The approach, therefore, engenders inclusive development and ensures that national economic growth is at once sustainable and can improve livelihoods.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our startup hastens innovation with the replacement of old energy infrastructure through modern solar technology integrated with digital solutions at a local level. We contribute to the promotion of sustainable industrialization while supporting small business growth—access to reliable, clean energy, reducing their dependence on costly and dirty fossil fuels. This leaning toward training and empowering local technicians and entrepreneurs supports innovation in building resilient infrastructure that increases a community's capacity to sustain and expand its economic activities. In promoting the use of renewable energy, we contribute to a solid industrial base that is innovative and sustainable, including through digital tools.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

This startup offers a climatically critical contribution to the world by replacing diesel and kerosene with clean, renewable solar energy. Any such displacement, in absolute terms, reduces the quantum of greenhouse gases emitted, thereby slowing down the adverse effects arising out of climate change. We help communities reduce their carbon footprint and make their environments more sustainable by popularizing solar energy solutions and facilitating the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. This, therefore, includes local technician training and a focus on sustainable practices to ensure long-term climate resilience and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. In this way, it actively contributes towards global and local climate action goals.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup actively promotes collaboration with both local and international players, such as government agencies, NGOs, and private sector companies, toward the achievement of sustainable development. We collaborate with them to scale our impact through resources, expertise, and networks. These initiatives include working together with ZEMA in matters of compliance and e-waste management while on the other hand, partnering with local communities on increasing energy access and promoting skills training. These are critical partnerships in innovating and ensuring the sustainability of projects toward realizing our goals concerning the same: that is, sustainable development. From such varied collaborations, we will enhance our capacity for addressing complex challenges and make invaluable contributions to the global agenda of sustainable development.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

While solar technology has saturated markets like Kenya, this is not so in Zambia—especially in the last mile and low-income communities. We focus on last-mile distribution to ensure some of the most remote and underserved populations have access to cost-effective solar energy solutions. In addition, our innovation in last-mile repair, something genuinely new in this industry to the distributed energy sector, it's only part of what has been tested by SolarAid. This means that with this service, solar products can be made more sustainable and cost-effective for users. The dual distribution and service put us in an excellent position to effectively influence access to energy and sustainability within Zambia.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Some of our main potential competitors would be other solar energy providers working in Zambia, like RDG, Mysol, and SunnyMoney. The difference is that we operate within the most underserved and last-mile communities that have otherwise been neglected by more prominent players who cannot afford larger units offered by these. We employ locally-based Community-Based Distributors who understand the context and the need on the ground—the approach not used by our competitors. Further, an industry-first fix-on-site, last-mile repair service for minor issues extends the life cycle of the solar product. In such a way, accessible distribution and sustainable maintenance services guarantee not only the delivery of energy solutions but also long-term maintenance to establish trust and satisfaction within communities.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I am promoting the role of women entrepreneurs in my society. 1. Training and Workshops: Specialized training sessions were conducted, and workshops in empowering women with solar technology skills and business management in general were delivered. We will also be running a training in last mile repair which will mostly include women. 2. Networking Events: Organize regular networking events and meetups that stimulate collaboration and mutual support amongst women in business to share experiences and showcase their businesses.