Zambia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Eco Cookers (gas stoves) a revolutionary innovation solution transforming the landscape, one meal at a time in Zambia, where frequent power outages disrupt daily life and many households lack access to sustainable energy for cooking becomes a challenge.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our Eco cooker (gas stove) journey began with immersion by physically experiencing the challenges faced by communities due to unreliable power, fuel scarcity and unreliable cooking stoves. We observed cooking practices, engaged with stakeholders, and consulted environmental experts to ensure our solutions are effective and practical. Our gas stoves innovative technology are powered by clean energy sources of biogas which harnesses sustainable energy resource. The impact of Eco Cookers is profound by significantly reduce carbon emissions, alleviate pressure on natural resources, and bring substantial cost savings to households.

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

According to research Every day, 3 billion people (500 million households) rely on solid fuels to power their traditional stoves, leading to 2 million deaths annually, wasted productivity, and environmental degradation.

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

The impact of Eco Cookers is profound and multifaceted. By providing clean cooking solutions, we improve health outcomes by reducing respiratory diseases associated with traditional cooking methods. Additionally, our cookers empower women and girls by reducing the time burden of cooking and fuel collection, enabling them to pursue education and economic opportunities.

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

Zambian Households (Women)

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-10-03

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

I am kangwa Kasonde a female CEO of Mankhten general dealers startup. I have dynamic skills in entrepreneurship and business management as I am pursuing my MBA under distance at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School in the United Kingdom. With a passion for environmental sustainability and renewable energy solutions, I have a solid background in project management through the environmental sector and a deep commitment to preserving the planet. I have dedicated my career to making a positive impact on Zambia, Africa, and the world. I have a visionary leadership for Mankhten to strives to exceed expectations, empowering our clients and fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for all through our eco cooker project which as won the Power Africa green energy design change and we looking forward to reaching even greater heights through the Total startup challenge.

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

https://mankhten.org/

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By reducing fuel costs our eco cookers help low-income households save money.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Eco stoves Improve cooking efficiency which ensures better food preparations, thereby enhancing food security.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Our eco cookers reduced indoor air pollution lowers respiratory and cardiovascular diseases

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Eco cookers create healthier homes this then allows children to attend school more regularly and improve their focus.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Women and girls, who often gather fuel and cook benefit from reduced labor and health risks.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Efficient stoves reduce deforestation, preserving watersheds and improving water quality.

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

Eco stoves use less fuel and can utilize renewable sources, promoting clean energy use.

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

Manufacturing and distributing eco stoves create job opportunities and stimulate local economies.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Eco stoves represent technological innovation and improve cooking infrastructure.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Access to affordable and efficient cooking solutions helps reduce inequalities among communities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Lower emission contributes to cleaner and more sustainable urban environments.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Eco stoves promote efficient resource use and reduce waste.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By decreasing deforestation and emissions, eco stoves mitigate climate change.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Reduced deforestation helps protect aquatic ecosystems from sedimentation and pollution.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

by using eco stoves there is decreasing fuelwood demand reduces deforestation and preserve biodiversity.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Stable communities with better health and economic conditions foster peace and stronger institutions.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

The promotion and distribution of eco stoves involves partnerships both locally and internationally fostering cooperation and shared progress towards SDGs

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

4

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.

6

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

The gas cookers that we are marking has a high demand on the market but the need as not been satisfied due to limited local production. Most products that are on the market are imported and are expensive.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors in Zambia are vitality Zambia and African clean energy. Our eco cooker project will stand out from competitors by offering innovative, durable designs tailored to local needs and integrating advanced feature. We ensure affordability through flexible payment plans while fostering community engagement by employing local artisan and using local materials.

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

Yes I am since 2021 I have been working with the ministry of agriculture as a USAID youth-leader ambassador to help young women in ngwerere farm block manage their business books and also help them with branding and marketing skills for their produce. Over 30 young women have benefited.