Zambia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Efficient waste resource recovery is paramount in waste management. Our innovation creates a robust waste collection app and ERP system which will operate as a waste trading platform allowing users to instantly request and earn through their waste.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Umoja Initiatives Afrika is a circular economy initiative under the umbrella Mikeandre enterprises ltd promoting collaborations, environmental conservation and sustainability solutions. Umoja Initiatives Afrika birthed our first initiative creating a sustainable solution for the construction industry by recycling plastic waste to produce blocks and pavers, our second initiative came as a result of the demand for access to recycle-rs and the need for solutions towards separation from source techniques. Our users will be required to separate their waste from source allowing them to earn, be educated on the different wastes and inserting a waste free mindset for a cleaner, greener environment.

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

The main problem our innovation addresses is resource recovery in waste management and recycling initiatives. According to the 2023 circular economy study carried out by AGS Zambia and the embassy of Finland in Zambia, separation from source is the major problem in the circular economy. Our technological approach not only responds to an efficient waste collection system, improper waste disposal but is a solution that promotes an exciting and revolutionary decent employment for sustainable cities in terms of development.

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

-Efficient waste management: Streamlining the collection and disposal process, making it easier for both households and waste management services to handle waste effectively. -Environmental Impact: Reducing carbon footprint by optimizing routes and collection methods. -Data Analytics: Providing valuable insights into waste generation patterns, which can help in planning better waste reduction strategies. -User Convenience -Community engagement

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

-Urban Households: Providing a convenient and Eco-friendly waste collection service. -Businesses -Local Governments -Environmental Organizations -Youth and Community Groups

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-12-15

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

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.)

Experience in Information & Technology as well as Entrepreneurship experience.

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

https://www.facebook.com/ugreen.afrika1?mibextid=ZbWKwL

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

2

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

2

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

Reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including waste management.

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

Halving per capita global food waste and reducing food losses. Achieving the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes. Substantially reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

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

Preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

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

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

6

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

5

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our product is designed to offer a service that is unique on the African market, it's the first Application to enable users to earn and have their waste instantly collected.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitive advantages are as follows: Innovation: Leveraging technology for efficient waste collection and recycling processes. Sustainability: Focusing on circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource use. Community Impact: Engaging local communities in waste management, which can lead to better public health and environmental awareness. Economic Efficiency: Potentially reducing costs associated with waste management for municipalities and businesses. Scalability: The ability to adapt and expand the concept to different regions or scales of operation.

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