Namibia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Verdena Mobility Solutions is a start-up based in Windhoek, Namibia. Our aim is to establish eco-friendly transportation services while developing and maintaing the necessary infrastructure to support greener and more sustainable means of transportaion .

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our primary goal is to offer transportation products and systems that utilize alternative energy sources, reducing environmental impact and operational cost for operators and the end-users. Our objectives will be: Initially to operate a battery electric vehicle that will operate as a taxi cab. Identify strategic location(s) to install DC fast charger, that is accessible to both public and private EV's users. As well as assist with installation of private home chargers Intergrate Renewable energy to power our stations to reduce reliance on the grid. Additionally we will offer consultations on the purchasing, maintaing and implementing greener vehicle solutions to various stakeholders and iinterested in eco-friendly transport options. We aim to revolotionize the transport indusrty in Windhoek by providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Through ou innovative products and services, we will contribute to a cleaner environment and more affordable transportation system for all.

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

A large percentage of Windhoek population relies on public transport and nearly all vehicles used are combustion engines. this results in high daily emissions of pollutants, significantly impacting air quality and public health. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) offer a clean alternative by producing zero tailpipe emissions, which is crucial in urban environments to reduce the harmful effects of vehicular pollution. Another major problem is the lack of infrastructure to support such vehicles. Windhoek currently has only three charging stations predominantly us by private electric car owners. Our Focus is to increase the number of publicly accessible charging stations and demonstrate their practicality. by expanding charging infrastructure, we aim to attract more users to electric vehicles, making them a viable option for public transportation and reducing overall emissons.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Environmental - EVs produce no exhaust emissions significantly reducing air pollutions and greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas. By doing this EVs also contribute to better public health, decreasing respiratory and cardiovascular problems associated with poor air quality. Economical- EVs have lower fuel cost and reduced maintenance expenses due to fewer moving parts. With less downtime for maintenance EVs have more time to be operational . Energy Independence and resilence- Electricity prices are generally more stable, and using renewable energy can further insulate against price volatility and as the automotive industry shifts towards electric mobility, investing in EVs ensures alignment with future technological trends and regulatory requirements. Infrastructure - Expanding the charging network not only supports the business but also promotes broader adoption of EVs, benefiting the entire community.Using renewable energy to power charging supports sustainabilty goals.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our initial target is the general public who use public transportation as their main means of getting around the city. They will always remain priority number one The secondary targets are the people who operate in the public transportation sector; we aim to serve them by not only setting up infrastructure that would benefit them from switching to an electric means of operating but they would also benefit majorly from the reduce operational cost of using such vehicles

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

My other partner is a long term high school friend who shares the same beliefs of making products and services that genuinely contribute to the betterment of the communities around us and the communities we grew up in. He formally worked at MTC as a call center advisor and a legal administrator.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The primary focus of the business is on reducing emissions and improving urban transportation infrastructure, rather than directly addressing poverty. While lower transportation costs could indirectly benefit low-income populations, the business does not have a direct initiative aimed at eradicating poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

We Will operates within the transportation and energy sectors, not agriculture or food security. It does not contribute directly to ending hunger or improving food security

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

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Reduced vehicle emissions lead to better air quality, contributing to improved public health and well-being. Promoting the use of EVs in public transport reduces pollutants that cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

2

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Although it may involve some educational campaigns about the benefits of electric vehicles, it does not directly impact inclusive and equitable quality education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our proposal does not include specific measures to address gender equality or empower women and girls. It focuses on environmental and infrastructural improvements, which are generally beneficial to all but do not specifically target gender disparities yet .

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

The business does not address water-related issues directly.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

By promoting and using electric vehicles (EVs), the business supports the transition to clean energy. Installing charging stations and using renewable energy to power them contributes to the availability of sustainable and modern energy

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Developing and maintaining EV infrastructure and services can create new jobs in the green technology and renewable energy sectors whiles also lower operational costs for EVs can lead to more affordable transportation options, stimulating economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Building and expanding charging infrastructure fosters inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation and by integrating modern technologies and renewable energy solutions, the business supports innovation and sustainable industrialization

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

While the business might indirectly reduce economic inequalities by lowering transportation costs, it does not have specific initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities within and among countries.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by improving air quality. Enhancing public transportation infrastructure with clean energy solutions makes urban environments more sustainable and livable.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Promoting EVs encourages responsible consumption and production patterns by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. EVs are more energy-efficient than ICE vehicles, promoting resource efficiency and sustainability.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

The use of EVs reduces greenhouse gas emissions, directly contributing to efforts to combat climate change and using renewable energy sources for charging stations helps mitigate climate impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The business impacts land-based transportation systems and urban environments. It does not address issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Although reducing emissions can benefit terrestrial ecosystems, the primary focus of the business is urban transportation. It does not directly engage in activities such as forest management, or halting biodiversity loss.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The business does not directly relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, or building effective, accountable institutions

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

While the business could potentially form partnerships to enhance its impact, It is still in the idea creation phase , further down the line the business will try it utmost to build global partnerships for sustainable development.

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

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

3

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

Verdena Mobility Solution is unique and innovative in its complete approach to promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and developing necessary infrastructure in Windhoek. By integrating renewable energy sources for charging stations, the company not only reduces emissions but also enhances sustainability. Its focus on economic and environmental synergy, tailored solutions for local needs, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders further sets it apart. Additionally, the provision of educational and consultative services empowers the community with knowledge about green mobility, fostering a green economy and advancing technological innovation in Namibia's transportation sector

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Verdena will have a major advantage as there are no companies currently operating in the "green public transport space" in Windhoek. Unlike companies that simply offer electric vehicles (EVs), we will differentiate ourselves by operating the vehicles ourselves and actively enhancing the necessary infrastructure, rather than just selling EVs and charging stations. Given the limited number of companies in this segment, we will seek to collaborate with and learn from the few existing operators to enhance our offerings and stay ahead in the market.

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

n/a