Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Turning agro waste into charcoal briquettes boosts the local economy, combats climate change, and reduces deforestation, offering a sustainable energy solution.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Tanzania heavily relies on firewood and charcoal for energy, neglecting its vast agricultural waste potential. Converting this waste into briquettes can reduce deforestation. The project uses simple, cost-effective technologies to produce affordable briquettes from agricultural waste. Marketed through local vendors, these briquettes offer longer burning times and cost savings for customers, requiring no stove modifications. Educational materials will promote this sustainable alternative, which has the potential to replace a significant portion of charcoal consumption in Tanzania.

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

I am aiming to tackle deforestation and the inefficient utilization of agricultural waste in Tanzania by turning agricultural waste into charcoal briquettes. This will provide a sustainable energy source, reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, and offer cost-effective, longer-lasting fuel options to the community.

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

The major benefits of using the charcoal briquettes produced from agricultural waste include: 1. Environmental Impact: By using agricultural waste for charcoal briquettes, deforestation is reduced, leading to the preservation of primary forests and mitigating climate change through sustainable energy practices. 2. Cost Savings and Efficiency: Charcoal briquettes have a higher bulk density and lower moisture content compared to traditional firewood, resulting in longer burning times and cost savings for consumers due to increased efficiency. 3. Economic Opportunities: The project creates a circular economy by utilizing agricultural waste as a resource, providing employment opportunities, boosting the local economy, and reducing reliance on imported charcoal, thereby benefiting the community as a whole.

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

The project is aimed at serving charcoal vendors who can easily deliver the product to homes, as well as institutions such as schools, hotels, restaurants, and fast food businesses. These targeted beneficiaries will benefit from the availability of affordable and sustainable charcoal briquettes made from agricultural waste. Charcoal vendors can expand their product offerings with a more environmentally friendly option, while institutions can reduce their energy costs and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices by using these briquettes.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-01-03

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

8

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

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

Joseph Geofrey Nyingi - Chairperson of Yajosé Group: Leads the group, an entrepreneur, computer scientist. Tusekile D. Nchimbi - Secretary of Yajosé Group: an entrepreneur. Suma G. Kibona - Cashier at Yajosé Group: an entrepreneur. The rest are just members in our group who are ready to work on the project.

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

https://www.instagram.com/yajosegroup?igsh=aGY2bGkydzRlczI3

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

In Tanzania, the high unemployment rate is a significant challenge for many youths. By leveraging the abundance of agricultural waste to produce charcoal briquettes, unemployed youth can engage in sustainable entrepreneurship. Our business model involves purchasing carbon from these youth producers, creating a circular economy that not only reduces poverty but also empowers young individuals to become self-employed and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Women in our community hold an integral role in our project for charcoal briquettes. Two of our main leaders are women, one serving as the secretary and the other as our cashier, showcasing our commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Understanding that women and girls are often the ones left to cook at home, exposed to the dangers of smoke from traditional charcoal or firewood, we prioritize staying close to them to provide a sustainable and safe alternative. By involving women in leadership positions and addressing their needs for clean cooking solutions, we not only value women but also ensure their safety, health, and well-being in the community.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our project promoting the use of charcoal briquettes made from agricultural waste significantly contributes to the Affordable and Clean Energy goal. By providing a sustainable and renewable energy source, we offer an affordable alternative to traditional charcoal and firewood, which can be expensive and contribute to deforestation. The efficient burning properties of charcoal briquettes reduce energy costs for households, institutions, and businesses, making clean energy more accessible to a wider population. Additionally, the use of charcoal briquettes helps mitigate indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, particularly benefiting women and girls who are often exposed to harmful smoke. Overall, our project aligns with the goal of Affordable and Clean Energy by promoting a renewable energy source that is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and improves the health and well-being of the community.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our project creating charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste fosters Decent Work and Economic Growth. By involving unemployed youth in production and sales, we reduce unemployment and promote entrepreneurship. Women in key leadership roles promote gender equality and provide a safer cooking alternative. Our circular economy model, sourcing from local producers, boosts the economy and supports community development, aligning with goals for inclusive and sustainable growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our project introducing charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste drives Industry Innovation by offering a sustainable energy alternative. Utilizing local youth producers in our supply chain spurs infrastructure development and investment. By advocating for clean energy adoption, we support resilient infrastructure and innovation in the energy sector. This aligns with goals for Industry Innovation by promoting sustainable practices and fostering local infrastructure growth.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Our project of producing charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste promotes Sustainable Cities and Communities by offering a cleaner energy option. By utilizing local youth producers, we support community development and reduce reliance on traditional fuels. Our sustainable practices align with creating safer, healthier urban environments and contribute to the goal of sustainable cities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Our project of producing charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste contributes to the Responsible Consumption and Production goal by utilizing agricultural waste efficiently. By reducing waste and promoting sustainable energy production, we advocate for responsible resource use. Additionally, sourcing locally from youth producers encourages responsible sourcing practices, aligning with the goal of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Our project of making charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste supports the Responsible Consumption and Production goal by providing an eco-friendly energy alternative. Utilizing waste efficiently reduces environmental impact, promoting responsible resource management. By sourcing locally from youth, we encourage sustainable practices in production and consumption, aligning with the goal of responsible consumption and production.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our project of making charcoal briquettes from agricultural waste supports the Life on Land goal by reducing deforestation and habitat destruction. Traditional charcoal production often involves cutting down trees, which can devastate local ecosystems and wildlife. By using agricultural waste, we minimize the need for wood, thus conserving forests and biodiversity. Furthermore, sourcing materials locally from youth fosters sustainable land use practices. This combination helps preserve natural habitats, ensuring healthier ecosystems and improved biodiversity.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Our charcoal briquettes project enhances Partnerships for the Goals by forging collaborations at multiple levels. We work with local farmers to collect agricultural waste, providing them with an additional income stream. Partnerships with educational institutions help us develop sustainable production techniques and spread awareness. By collaborating with youth groups, we promote entrepreneurship and skill development. Engaging with local governments and NGOs ensures regulatory compliance and access to resources. These partnerships foster community cooperation, drive sustainable practices, and help achieve broader environmental and social goals.

05.01 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

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

05.08 Justification

Charcoal briquettes have long been used in developed countries, primarily for electricity production through boilers. In Africa, however, the adoption of this product remains limited but increasingly necessary due to stringent forest conservation regulations. While charcoal briquettes are not a new technology, their availability in many African countries is still limited. As the price of traditional charcoal rises, charcoal briquettes offer a more affordable alternative for cooking energy. This cost-effective option can significantly benefit communities by providing an economical source of fuel. Additionally, traditional charcoal producers are currently struggling to meet the rising demand, making the adoption of charcoal briquettes even more crucial.

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

Our main potential competitors in the charcoal briquettes market include established brands with significant market presence and customer loyalty, mostly producing normal charcoal. What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability and quality. Our briquettes are made from 100% natural materials, without any chemical additives, ensuring a cleaner and more eco-friendly grilling experience hence are much cheaper than normal charcoal. Additionally, our briquettes are designed to burn longer and produce less ash, providing consistent heat and reducing cleanup time. We also emphasize ethical sourcing and support reforestation projects, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction helps us stand out in this competitive market.

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

Absolutely. In my community, females are often viewed as "housewives" or those who stay at home. However, if we create a better environment that motivates them to lead or become entrepreneurs, it will lead to a stronger community.