Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We are bringing circularity to traditional waste management methods through collection sorting and recycling waste. Our community engagement initiatives raise awareness on proper waste management promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Bunibo Africa is pioneering a sustainable and circular approach to waste management in Africa. Our startup focuses on the collection, sorting, and recycling. We currently recycle organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae. This innovative process transforms waste into valuable products like animal protein and fertilizer, promoting a circular economy. We integrate technology into our operations for enhanced efficiency and transparency, ensuring effective waste management. Additionally, we run community initiatives to raise awareness about proper waste segregation and environmental responsibility, empowering local communities to participate in sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

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

The main problem Bunibo Africa is addressing is the inefficient and unsustainable management of organic waste in urban areas. Rapid urbanization has led to increased waste generation, straining traditional waste management systems and causing environmental pollution. Organic waste, in particular, poses significant challenges as it often ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource wastage. By using Black Soldier Fly larvae, Bunibo Africa transforms organic waste into valuable products like animal protein and fertilizer, reducing landfill usage, cutting emissions, and promoting a circular economy. Additionally, we tackle the lack of community awareness about proper waste management through educational initiatives, empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices and enhance environmental responsibility.

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

1. Economic Value: Our recycling process creates animal feed that is higher in protein content (35%) than other feed in the market (20%) for the roughly the same cost. This supports local agriculture and providing alternative protein sources, which can lead to economic growth and job creation. 2. Environmental Impact: By converting organic waste into valuable products like animal protein and fertilizer, we reduce landfill use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a circular economy, contributing to a cleaner environment. 3. Community Empowerment: Through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns, we empower communities with knowledge on sustainable waste management practices, fostering environmental responsibility and active community participation. 4.CSR: Corporates can enhance their sustainability profiles and fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments by participating in our eco-friendly waste management system which reduces their carbon footprint.

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

1. Urban Communities: These include residential and commercial residential clients. By providing sustainable waste management solutions, we help reduce environmental pollution and improve living conditions. 2. Corporate Clients: Companies benefit from enhanced sustainability profiles, reduced waste disposal costs, and compliance with environmental regulations. 3. Local Farmers: They gain access to affordable, high-quality organic fertilizers and animal protein produced from recycled waste. 4. General Public: Our educational initiatives promote environmental awareness and responsibility, fostering a culture of sustainability.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-07-06

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.)

Maureen Sitati, co-owner of Bunibo Africa, brings extensive experience in sales, business development, and customer service. Her skills in building client relationships, developing business strategies, and enhancing customer satisfaction are instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success. Her expertise helps us expand our market reach, create strong partnerships, and deliver exceptional service to clients. She complements the team's focus on sustainable waste management with her strategic insight and ability to navigate competitive business environments, ensuring the startup’s operational excellence and customer-centric approach.

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

https://bunibo.com/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

I disagree

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

I disagree

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

I disagree

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our community engagement initiatives include training and awareness programs on waste management and sustainability. These initiatives educate individuals about environmental responsibility, promoting lifelong learning and empowering communities with valuable knowledge and skills. While our primary focus is not traditional education, our efforts significantly enhance environmental education and awareness, aligning with the objectives of the Quality Education SDG.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

I disagree

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

I disagree

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

I disagree

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Bunibo Africa, significantly contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by promoting sustainable economic practices and creating job opportunities. By transforming waste management into a profitable and environmentally friendly business, we generate employment in waste collection, recycling, and community education. Our innovative approach supports local economies, encourages entrepreneurship, and fosters inclusive economic growth, ensuring productive employment and decent work for all involved.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Bunibo Africa contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure by developing sustainable and innovative waste management solutions. Our use of Black Soldier Fly larvae for recycling organic waste shows how our adoption of innovative ways to deal with waste as opposed to the normal dumping in landfills. We are also integrating technology for efficient waste collection and traceability, enhancing the resilience of our process.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

I disagree

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

We directly contribute to the goal of Sustainable Cities and Communities by implementing environmentally friendly waste management solution. Through using Black Soldier Fly Larvae to recycle processes reduce landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions, making urban areas cleaner and healthier. We engage communities through education and training on sustainable waste practices, fostering environmental stewardship and resilience. By promoting waste reduction, resource recovery, and community involvement, we help create inclusive, safe, and 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

We ensure sustainable consumption and production through a circular economy approach. We collect, sort, and recycle organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae, transforming it into valuable products like animal protein and fertilizer. This process minimizes waste, reduces reliance on landfills, and promotes resource efficiency. By integrating technology for traceability and transparency, we are working to optimize waste management and encourage responsible consumption. Our community engagement initiatives further promote practices and foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainable living.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We take significant action to combat climate change through sustainable waste management practices. By recycling organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfills. The approach promotes a circular economy, minimizing waste and conserving resources. Additionally, our community education programs foster awareness and encourage environmentally responsible behaviors, further mitigating climate change impacts. Through these efforts, we actively contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and a better environment in the future.

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

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

I disagree

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

I disagree

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.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Bunibo Africa offers a unique solution to waste management by using Black Soldier Fly larvae to recycle organic waste into valuable products. This approach represents new technology in the waste management sector. While there are traditional recycling methods, our solution improves on these by being more sustainable, and scalable. Additionally, providing waste traceability ensures transparency and operational efficiency. Our service meets a previously unmet demand for sustainable waste management solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy practices.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

1. Traditional Waste Management Companies: They handle waste collection and disposal but lack innovative recycling methods. Companies such as Garbage.com, Zoa Taka and Bins. 2. Organic Waste Recycling Firms: Some companies recycle organic waste but often use conventional composting or anaerobic digestion methods. What Makes Us Stand Out: Bunibo Africa’s use of Black Soldier Fly larvae for recycling organic waste is unique. Our process produces high-quality animal protein and fertilizer, reducing waste and emissions. Additionally, incorporating waste traceability which ensures transparency and compliance, providing an edge over traditional methods. Our community engagement initiatives further differentiate us, as we educate and empower communities on sustainable practices.

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

1. Workshops and Training Programs: We organize workshops focused on waste management and how women can benefit from it in the community 4. Community Awareness Campaigns: We run campaigns highlighting how proper waste management can benefit the community particularly how women can benefit from waste and to inspire and encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship in the space.