Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Shaba: Empowering rural artisans through a mobile-first digital supply chain platform, connecting their craft to the global market.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Shaba is a digital platform that empowers rural communities in arid and semi-arid areas, creating a sustainable ecosystem from farm to finished product. We serve as a **manufacturing platform** for these communities, focusing on sisal products. Our mobile app allows smallholder farmers to organize and manage their sisal cultivation efficiently, right from their smartphones. Skilled artisans within these communities then use this same app to access the raw sisal, streamlining the production of beautifully crafted baskets. Simultaneously, Shaba acts as a **distribution platform**, connecting buyers in the retail and tourism sectors directly with these artisans and their products. This seamless connection enables buyers to easily stock up on eco-friendly, high-quality sisal products. Through this innovative approach, Shaba has fostered a thriving ecosystem that benefits all participants. Farmers gain access to a reliable market for their sisal, artisans are empowered to showcase their

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

Shaba addresses the critical challenge of limited market access faced by rural artisans in the booming global handicraft market, valued at USD 466 billion in 2020 and projected to reach USD 847 billion by 2027 (Market Research Future). Despite this immense potential, artisans struggle with: 1. **Market Misalignment:** Over 50% of artisans fail to align their products with market trends, resulting in unsold inventory (World Crafts Council). 2. **Digital Divide:** Limited internet access, especially among women in rural areas, hinders their ability to reach global markets (World Bank). 3. **Exploitative Middlemen:** Middlemen often take up to 40% of artisan earnings, leaving them with minimal profits (International Trade Centre). Shaba's digital platform revolutionizes this landscape by directly connecting artisans to buyers, providing crucial market insights, and ensuring fair compensation. This empowers rural communities, fosters economic development, and champions social empowermen

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

1. Increased Market Access: Shaba connects rural artisans directly to a global customer base, eliminating the need for exploitative middlemen and expanding their sales potential. 2. Data-Driven Production: Shaba's platform provides artisans with real-time market insights and demand trends, empowering them to create products that align with consumer preferences, reducing waste and maximizing profits. 3. Financial Empowerment: By facilitating direct sales and fair compensation, Shaba ensures artisans receive a greater share of revenue, fostering economic growth and independence within their communities.

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

Shaba's primary beneficiaries are: 1. Rural Artisans:Primarily women artisans residing in arid and semi-arid regions. Shaba empowers them by providing a platform to showcase their craftsmanship, access a broader market, and earn fair compensation for their products. 2. Smallholder Sisal Farmers: Shaba collaborates with sisal farmers in these regions, offering them a reliable and stable market for their raw materials. This contributes to increased income and livelihood improvement for farmers and their families. 3. Retailers and Tourism Businesses:Shaba connects these businesses directly with authentic, eco-friendly sisal products, enabling them to offer unique and sustainable items to their customers while supporting rural communities. Shaba indirectly benefits: -Local Communities: By creating economic opportunities and promoting social development, Shaba contributes to the overall well-being of rural communities in arid and semi-arid areas. -Environmental conservation because of sisal

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-04-20

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.)

Shaba's core team comprises skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds: Software Engineers (2): Experienced in developing user-friendly mobile applications and robust backend systems. Their expertise ensures the platform's functionality, scalability, and security. Operations Team: Seasoned in supply chain management and logistics. They oversee the efficient coordination of decentralized production centers, ensuring smooth production flow and timely delivery.

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

Website : https://www.theshaba.com/ourwork Linkedin : https://ke.linkedin.com/company/the-shaba Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_theshabastory/ Playstore App Manufacturing section (Community App): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ace

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

Shaba directly addresses SDG 1 (No Poverty) by empowering rural artisans, particularly women, with the tools to earn a sustainable income through direct sales of their crafts. This results in significantly higher earnings (X5 profit margins) compared to traditional channels, lifting individuals and families out of poverty. Shaba's focus on women's economic empowerment and sustainable sisal farming further contributes to poverty reduction. Increased income stimulates local economies, improving access to essential goods and services. This impact is supported by socio-economic studies and reports from local agencies, demonstrating Shaba's effectiveness in fostering economic growth and reducing poverty in rural communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Shaba contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture practices in arid and semi-arid regions. By collaborating with smallholder sisal farmers, Shaba creates a stable market for their crops, incentivizing sustainable farming methods and improving food security. The income generated from sisal cultivation enables farmers to purchase nutritious food, contributing to improved nutrition for themselves and their families. Additionally, Shaba's focus on sisal, a drought-resistant crop, promotes environmental sustainability and helps mitigate the impact of climate change on food production in these vulnerable regions.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

We address systemic inequalities by formalizing employment opportunities for informal workers, particularly women in rural Kenya. Our platform partners with small community groups, 90% of which are composed of women who have acquired their heritage craft skills through apprenticeships. Many lack formal education or certifications. Shaba provides these women with: Formalized Employment: Transitioning them from the informal sector to a structured work environment with fair wages and benefits. Above-Living Wages: Ensuring they earn a sustainable income that significantly improves their livelihoods. Training & Development: Offering opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, fostering personal and professional growth. Additionally, Shaba has adapted its platform to be more inclusive by offering it in Kiswahili, the local language, to facilitate easier adoption and understanding. By combining economic empowerment with formalization and skills development, Shaba directly addresses g

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Shaba's innovative mobile platform directly addresses SDG 9 by creating a thriving ecosystem that bridges the digital divide in rural communities. It provides accessible digital infrastructure, empowering artisans, particularly women, to participate in the global economy and fostering economic resilience. By focusing on marginalized groups, Shaba promotes inclusive local industrialization and reduces inequality. The platform's emphasis on sustainable sisal production and efficient processes contributes to sustainable industrial practices. Furthermore, Shaba's mobile-first, data-driven approach is a significant innovation in the handicraft industry, enhancing efficiency and driving economic growth within the ecosystem.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

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

Shaba contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering economic development and social inclusion in rural areas, which are essential for achieving sustainable human settlements. Shaba's platform provides: Economic Opportunities: By empowering rural artisans and farmers with access to global markets and fair compensation, Shaba creates economic opportunities that can revitalize rural areas and reduce the pressure to migrate to urban centers. This contributes to more balanced and sustainable population distribution. Social Inclusion: Shaba's focus on women's empowerment and its inclusive approach to working with marginalized communities foster social inclusion and reduce inequality within rural settlements. This contributes to safer and more resilient communities. Environmental Sustainability: Shaba's emphasis on sustainable sisal production promotes eco-friendly practices in rural areas, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability of these settlements

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

throughout Shaba’s supply chain and fostering a circular economy model for sisal products. Shaba's platform ensures: Sustainable Sourcing: Shaba partners with smallholder farmers who practice sustainable sisal cultivation methods, minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible land use. Responsible Production: Shaba's artisans utilize traditional techniques and natural materials, creating handcrafted products with minimal waste and a low carbon footprint. Circular Economy: Shaba encourages the reuse and recycling of sisal products, extending their lifespan and reducing the demand for new resources. The company is also exploring innovative ways to upcycle sisal waste, further minimizing environmental impact. Ethical Consumption: By connecting consumers directly with artisans, Shaba fosters transparency and promotes ethical consumption. Customers can make informed choices, supporting sustainable practices and fair trade. By integrating sustainability into every step of its sup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Shaba actively combats climate change (SDG 13) through its sustainable sisal production model. By utilizing sisal as a non-timber forest product, Shaba reduces deforestation and promotes biodiversity in arid and semi-arid regions. Sisal cultivation requires minimal water and offers significant carbon sequestration potential, making it a climate-smart alternative. Shaba also prioritizes waste reduction through training and empowerment initiatives, fostering a circular economy where sisal waste is upcycled or recycled. These practices align with scientific research demonstrating the environmental benefits of sisal and the effectiveness of circular economies in mitigating climate change. Shaba's model showcases a commitment to sustainable resource management and serves as an example for climate-conscious business practices.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Shaba's sisal cultivation actively contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering biodiversity and promoting sustainable land use in arid and semi-arid regions. Sisal's extended flowering periods provide a crucial nectar and pollen source for honey bees, especially during dry seasons, supporting their survival and pollination services vital for ecosystem health. Shaba's sustainable sisal farming practices also combat desertification and land degradation, common issues in these regions. By using a drought-resistant crop and responsible land management techniques, Shaba helps preserve soil fertility and prevent erosion, ensuring the long-term productivity and health of the land. Additionally, Shaba's work with sisal contributes to local biodiversity by creating habitats for various insects and wildlife. This, combined with the support for honey bee populations, helps maintain the delicate ecological balance in these regions.

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

6

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.

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.

5

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.

5

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

Mobile-First Accessibility: Unlike existing platforms, Shaba's mobile app is designed specifically for rural artisans with limited internet access, overcoming a significant barrier to market participation. Holistic Ecosystem: We go beyond connecting artisans to buyers by providing comprehensive support, including production planning tools, real-time market insights, and training resources. Technological Innovation: Shaba leverages cutting-edge mobile technology to streamline communication, production, and transactions, enhancing efficiency and transparency throughout the supply chain. Focusing on the Underserved: Shaba targets rural artisans in arid and semi-arid regions, a demographic often neglected by traditional markets and platforms. Revitalizing Heritage Crafts: We breathe new life into traditional sisal crafts by connecting them to modern markets and design trends, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal to a wider audience.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Shaba differentiates itself in the competitive landscape of sustainable handicrafts through its unique focus on sisal, a drought-resistant crop ideal for arid regions. Our mobile-first platform empowers rural artisans with limited internet access, offering a comprehensive ecosystem with production tools, market insights, and training resources. We prioritize underserved communities, particularly women, and create sustainable livelihoods through fair trade practices. This holistic approach sets Shaba apart from competitors who primarily focus on other fibers or lack a comprehensive support system for artisans.

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