Zambia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Tisuka offers renewable energy engineering consultancy including feasibility studies and grid impact studies, solar system design and installation, as well as Nonprofit STEM and renewable energy education to Zambia's underserved female youths.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Tiuska encompasses the following: Engineering consultancy for renewable energy projects, solar system design, feasibility studies, grid connection analysis, environmental impact assessment, procurement consultancy for solar projects, as well as physical solar installation from residential to utility-scale solar projects, as well as for farmers. We are also working with the Zambian Government to design and install solar powered mini-grids to serve the Zambian rural population with electricity access. Our Non-profit branch has spent the last year offering free STEM and renewable energy education to girls in high school, with emphasis on children from low income communities. A new project, The Tisuka Sunshine Scholarship will see us offering free accredited solar installation courses to underprivileged girls from selected government schools. With funding from Global Changemakers, we will have given skills award certificates to at least 40 underprivileged Zambian girls by June 2025.

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

-66 percent of Zambians and 98% of the rural population exist without access to electricity including hospitals, schools, and essential services. -2024 came with a drought due to climate change, which has brought extreme electricity scarcity countrywide due to overdependence on hydropower which provides over 85% of Zambia's energy. Those who are fortunate enough to have electricity access only have it for half the day, meanwhile most go without. Now, farmers have failed to produce, and C&I consumers are spending thousands of dollars monthly on diesel to power generators in order to keep their businesses afloat, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions drastically. -Also, annually, 200 000 youths will exit the Zambian school system with no prospects for skill enhancement and acquisition due to lack of resources. Over 60 percent of them are female, leading them to early pregnancy and lives of abject poverty. Not to mention only 27 percent of all STEM employees in Zambia are women.

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

- Renewable Energy Expertise: Tiuska has this enormous advantage especially in the current energy crisis - Diverse Solar Solutions: Making Tisuka a one-stop-shop for solar projects. - Government Collaboration: Making it easier to provide energy access in rural areas. - Empowerment through Education: Through Tiuska's non-profit branch which fosters a more inclusive and sustainable energy sector. - Workforce Development: Through the Tisuka Sunshine Scholarship program. - Increased Energy Access: Tiuska's mini-grid projects and solar installations will provide reliable energy access to the underserved - Environmental Sustainability: Tiuska's focus on renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions - Community Engagement: Tiuska's initiatives prioritize community engagement and positive social impact - Cost-Effective: Tiuska's services reduce energy costs and increase savings. - Reliable and Efficient: Tiuska's solar installations provide reliable power supply .

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

1. Rural Communities, rural hospitals and rural schools 2. Underprivileged Girls 3. Small- and Medium-Scale Farmers 4. Local Businesses 5. Government Institutions 6. Commercial and Industrial Customers

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-01-17

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?

1

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

-My business is owned by 2 individuals, Suzanna Chulu and Felicity Chulu, while our team consists of extensively experienced engineers, marketing experts, communication experts, development studies experts, and volunteers. Aside from running Tisuka, she serves as the Energy Director of the Zambian Farmers Development Corporative Union. -Suzanna Chulu is a certified Energy Systems Engineer, certified Solar Technician, Global Changemakers Alumni, and long-time social impact advocate and volunteer. -Felicity Chulu is a retired certified auditor with over 40 years' experience auditing for The Zambian Government's Office of the Auditor General, The Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Zambian Cabinet Office to mention a few. She campaigned for the position of Member of Parliament for Zambia's Munali Constituency in 2021, advocating for empowerment of the girl-child, improved standard of living for all Zambians in low-income areas, and improved quality of life for Zambian youths.

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

https://tisukagroup.com/ https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556270032259 https://www.instagram.com/tisukagroup?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==

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

1.Providing reliable energy to rural communities, enabling them to power their homes, businesses, and farms, thereby increasing their economic productivity and income. 2.Tiuska's initiatives, such as the Tisuka Sunshine Scholarship, equip underprivileged girls with skills and knowledge in renewable energy, enhancing their employability and economic prospects. 3.Tiuska's projects and initiatives create job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, contributing to poverty reduction and economic growth. 4.Tiuska's energy solutions enhance agricultural productivity, enabling small-scale farmers to increase their yields and income, reducing poverty and improving food security.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By providing reliable energy for farming activities, Tiuska's solutions help farmers increase their yields, reducing food scarcity and improving nutritional security.

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

5

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

-Through The Tisuka Sunshine Scholarship, the Scholars are entitled to mini-comfort kits containing reusable sanitary pads, generously supplied to us at less than a dollar per pad, by the Chiedza Community Welfare Trust in Zimbabwe. This tackles the extreme menstrual absenteeism which is common in Government Schools, and promotes menstrual hygiene, good health, and well being. -Tisuka's servicing of private and public hospitals contributes to SDG 3 by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to urban and rural hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for critical medical equipment and procedures, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver quality care and services, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced mortality rates. Additionally, our energy solutions reduce the hospitals' carbon footprint, creating a healthier environment for patients, staff, and the surrounding community.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

1. Tisuka's solar solutions provide reliable and sustainable energy for schools, powering classrooms, computer labs, and libraries, enabling students to learn in a conducive environment. 2. Tisuka's non-profit branch offers free STEM and renewable energy education to underprivileged girls, promoting interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and empowering them to pursue careers in these fields. 3. Tisuka's training and capacity-building programs for educators and school administrators enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to effectively integrate renewable energy and sustainability into their curricula. 4. Tisuka's non-profit supports digital learning initiatives, enabling students to access online resources, educational software, and digital tools, bridging the digital divide and improving educational outcomes.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

-Tisuka is 100% woman-owned, and more than 50% of our team are women, serving as role models and inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles in the renewable energy sector. -Tisuka's non-profit branch offers free STEM and renewable energy education to underprivileged girls, promoting gender equality in education and empowering them to pursue careers in male-dominated fields. -The Tisuka Sunshine Scholarship, provide training and capacity building for women in renewable energy, enabling them to start their own businesses and increase their economic independence. -Our energy solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of women and girls, such as powering households, schools, and healthcare facilities, reducing their energy burden and improving their overall well-being, especially in rural settings.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

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

-Tisuka offers solar-powered energy solutions, contributing to the global share of renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. -Tisuka's off-grid energy solutions provide electricity to rural and underserved communities, ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. - Our solutions promote energy efficiency, increasing the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency and reducing energy waste. -Tisuka collaborates with international organizations and local communities, enhancing global cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology. - Our projects support the development of energy infrastructure, upgrading technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services in Africa - Tisuka promotes education and training for the use of solar technology, improving the decentralized supply of energy and developing local skills. -Tisuka raises awareness about the use of solar energy, especially among the youth

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

-Tisuka's renewable energy projects create jobs in the solar industry, stimulating local economic growth and empowering communities -Tisuka provides training and capacity building programs for future solar technicians, engineers, and entrepreneurs -We support local entrepreneurship by providing access to finance, technology, and markets, enabling small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable businesses. -Our projects prioritize local economic development, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are shared equitably among local communities. -We promote decent work practices, ensuring fair labor standards, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for all employees and partners. -Our solutions stimulate economic growth by reducing energy costs, increasing productivity, and enhancing competitiveness for local businesses. -Our projects support the development of energy infrastructure, upgrading technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

- Tisuka promotes sustainable industrialization through renewable energy projects, supporting industrial development and job creation. - Tisuka encourages innovation in renewable energy technologies, supporting research and development and promoting clean and environmentally sound industrial processes. -Tisuka develops sustainable infrastructure, including solar-powered mini-grids and energy storage systems, contributing to resilient infrastructure development and upgrading existing infrastructure to make it sustainable.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

-Tisuka provides equal access to renewable energy, reducing energy poverty and promoting inclusive and equitable economic growth. -Tisuka empowers marginalized communities, particularly women and youth, by providing training and capacity building programs, enhancing their economic opportunities and social inclusion. -Tisuka's renewable energy solutions reduce income inequalities by creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth, promoting equitable distribution of resources. -Tisuka promotes social inclusion by providing energy access to remote and underserved communities, reducing social and economic disparities. -Tisuka collaborates with international organizations and local communities, enhancing global cooperation to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable development. -Tisuka empowers women through targeted initiatives, promoting gender equality and reducing the gender gap in the renewable energy sector.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

-Tisuka supports sustainable urban development by providing clean and renewable energy solutions, reducing urban carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. -Tisuka develops green infrastructure, including solar-powered mini-grids and energy storage systems, contributing to sustainable urban planning and development. -Tisuka supports disaster resilience by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions. For example, providing solar solutions in the wake of the current drought we are facing in Zambia, reducing the risk of disasters and promoting quick recovery.

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

-Tisuka provides sustainable energy solutions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources, aligning with the goal of sustainable consumption and production patterns. -We promote energy efficiency in industries and buildings, reducing energy consumption and waste, and supporting sustainable production and consumption practices. -Tisuka encourages innovation and technology development, supporting sustainable consumption and production patterns, and reducing environmental impacts. -Tisuka raises awareness and educates communities on sustainable consumption and production practices, promoting behavioral change and responsible resource use.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

-Tisuka provides renewable energy solutions, promoting clean energy sources, aligning with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. -Tisuka reduces its carbon footprint by promoting energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices in its operations and supply chain. We support climate resilience by providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions, reducing the risk of disasters and promoting quick recovery. -We promote sustainable land use practices, reducing deforestation and promoting reforestation efforts -Tisuka raises awareness and educates communities on climate change impacts, promoting behavioral change and sustainable practices. -We support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, promoting sustainable development and reducing the vulnerability of communities to climate change impacts.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

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

-Tisuka forms partnerships with government ministries and institutions such as Rural Electrification Authority, international organizations such as Global Changemakers, and local and private sector entities to promote sustainable energy development and achieve the SDGs. -We engage with multiple stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to ensure inclusive and sustainable energy development. -Tisuka mobilizes financial resources from like-minded organisations and funders such as WWF, Global Changemakers and The Tony Elumelu Foundation, supporting the development of sustainable energy projects and promoting access to finance for marginalized communities. -Tisuka sets goals and targets in collaboration with partners, ensuring alignment with the SDGs and promoting collective action to achieve 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.

2

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

6

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.

3

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

We don't make anything and we don't sell anything; we integrate comprehensive engineering consultancy services with practical, on-the-ground solar installation, making Tisuka a one-stop shop for all solar solutions even though equipment is not procured from us. In this case we are the first firm of its kind in Zambia. Our initiatives leverage cutting-edge solar technology and innovative grid solutions to bring reliable and clean energy to places that have traditionally been off the grid. Also, our offering free STEM and renewable energy education to girls in high school, particularly from low-income communities, is a brand-new, groundbreaking effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Tiuska differentiates itself from competitors such as Sunray Power Company, Solahybrid, Jekman Ltd, MyZambia MyAfrica, Id Solar Solutions, E-solar Tech, and Sun Tech by offering a suite of services under one roof. Unlike traditional solar companies such as Suntech and Solar Macs Energy, which primarily focus on solar installations and products, Tiuska offers a holistic suite of services and a vast variety of engineering consultancy. Moreover, our collaboration with the Zambian government to design and install solar-powered mini-grids for rural electrification is a distinctive aspect of our operations, showcasing our commitment to sustainable development and energy access for underserved communities​. Additionally, our non-profit directly addresses gender disparity in the STEM fields and promotes local talent development​. This kind of initiative within a for-profit majority-consultancy firm is unheard of.

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

Yes, I am actively initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. I regularly speak at events focused on women in energy, engineering, and agriculture, sharing insights and inspiring women to pursue careers in these fields. As a member of the Zambia Gender Network, I am at the forefront of addressing gender issues in the private sector. Additionally, my non-profit is dedicated to shaping the female entrepreneurs of tomorrow by empowering them with the skills and confidence to succeed. Most of the mentors I engage with for my business as well as to inspire the girls I serve, are women,