Zambia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Boxify is a mobile application designed to combat food waste by facilitating connections between businesses with surplus food and consumers seeking discounted prices. This platform not only helps reduce food waste but also provides affordable food options

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Boxify is a Zambian-based startup that has developed a mobile application aimed at reducing food waste by connecting businesses with surplus food to consumers interested in purchasing it at discounted prices. Launched in 2022, Boxify provides a platform where businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores can list their excess food items, which consumers can then browse and purchase through the app. This helps businesses reduce waste while offering consumers more affordable food options. The application supports both iOS and Android devices, making it widely accessible. Boxify charges a 10% service fee on transactions and offers additional revenue streams through subscription packages and premium features tailored to business needs. The startup has a strong value proposition in a growing market, as it addresses a critical issue of food waste that aligns with increasing global awareness about sustainability and efficient resource utilization.

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

Boxify is focused on tackling the significant issue of food waste. Each year, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally, posing economic, environmental, and social challenges. This wastage not only represents a loss of economic value but also contributes to unnecessary environmental impacts due to the resources expended in producing, processing, transporting, and disposing of food. Boxify's platform addresses this problem by providing a digital marketplace where businesses with surplus food can connect with consumers willing to purchase this food at reduced prices. This not only helps in reducing the amount of food that goes to waste but also assists in making food more affordable, particularly benefiting low-income families who spend a larger portion of their income on food.

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

Reduction of Food Waste: Boxify significantly reduces food waste by providing a platform where businesses can sell their surplus food, which might otherwise be discarded, to consumers at discounted prices. This not only minimizes the environmental impact of waste but also helps businesses cut down on disposal costs. Cost Savings for Consumers: Consumers benefit from lower food prices through the app, making essential groceries and meals more affordable. This is particularly advantageous for low-income families who allocate a significant portion of their budget to food expenses. Enhanced Business Efficiency: By using Boxify, businesses can convert potential losses into revenue opportunities, improving their operational efficiency. The platform also offers businesses a way to manage inventory more effectively, reducing overstock and the associated costs.

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

Businesses with Surplus Food: This includes restaurants, cafes, bakeries, grocery stores, and other food service providers that frequently deal with surplus stock due to over-preparation, unsold items, or nearing expiry products. Boxify offers these businesses a platform to reduce waste and recoup some costs by connecting them with potential buyers. Cost-Conscious Consumers: The app is particularly beneficial for consumers looking for affordable food options. This group primarily includes low-income families, students, and budget-conscious individuals who can take advantage of discounted prices on food that would otherwise be wasted.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-05-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

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.)

Emmanuel Lwele CEO + Founder Ph.D. Cand Robotics, MSc-Software Engineering, 8+ Yrs of Experience (Software dev & Product development) Sabuni Emmanuel CTO + Co-founder Msc -Financial Engineering, 8+ yrs of product development Nachilima Nachula Head of Product & Customer Support Specialist Bsc Civil Engineering, 5+ yr of Construction Project Management

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

https://boxify-zm.com

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Goal 2 - Zero Hunger: By making surplus food available at discounted rates, Boxify helps improve access to nutritious meals for low-income consumers, thereby contributing to efforts aimed at eradicating hunger.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: Boxify directly addresses this goal by promoting efficient resource utilization and reducing food waste through its digital marketplace. This aligns with Target 12.3, which calls for halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels.

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

4

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: Boxify directly addresses this goal by promoting efficient resource utilization and reducing food waste through its digital marketplace. This aligns with Target 12.3, which calls for halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Goal 13 - Climate Action: By reducing food waste, Boxify indirectly helps decrease the methane emissions from landfills and lowers the overall carbon footprint associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of wasted food, thereby contributing to climate action efforts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: Boxify fosters partnerships between businesses and consumers, and also potentially with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

4

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.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Boxify's main competitors in the food waste management market include platforms like HRVST, GOOD-TO-GO, and FOOD SHOPPING MARKETS, which also connect businesses with surplus food to consumers. However, Boxify stands out due to several unique features: First-Mover Advantage in Zambia: Boxify is the first digital marketplace in Zambia specifically designed to address food waste, giving us a critical early presence and the ability to shape market expectations. Comprehensive Mobile and Web Access: Unlike some competitors who may offer limited platforms, Boxify is accessible via both mobile (iOS and Android) and web, enhancing user accessibility and convenience. Flexible Revenue Model: Boxify has a diversified revenue model that includes transaction fees, subscription services for businesses, and premium features. This flexibility allows us to cater to a broader range of business clients and consumer needs.

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

yes Boxify actively seeks partnerships with women-led businesses to promote their products and services through our platform. This not only helps these businesses gain more visibility but also inspires other women to pursue entrepreneurship.