Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

SUNWAVE Ltd is a pioneering sustainable energy startup company based in Tanzania, leveraging solar energy to address the critical issue of post harvest losses for small scale fishers and sellers.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

At SUNWAVE, we offer solar-powered ice-making units to small-scale fishers and sellers as a service. This is to help them preserve their catch and access markets more efficiently. By leveraging solar energy, we provide sustainable and reliable ice production independent of the grid, addressing post-harvest losses even in remote areas.

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

Small-scale fishers and sellers in Tanzania face significant challenges, with up to 70% post-harvest losses. The main issues including inadequate ice supply, indigenous cold storage and poor handling practices. These factors contribute to income insecurity and reduced profits for millions of people. According to our surveys and interviews at the fish markets, 85% of respondents expressed difficulties in obtaining ice consistently. 90% showed willingness to adopt a solution that improves fish preservation.

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

By extending storage duration for fish and reducing spoilage, our solar-powered ice machines contribute to the resilience of communities in blue and green spaces by reducing IUU and the use of poor current alternatives. This will ensure more fish reach the market, improving food security and economic stability.

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

Our solution is to offer solar-powered ice-making units to small-scale fishers and sellers as a service.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-06

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

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

Behind this innovative solution is our dedicated team. I, Shamim, the CEO, experienced in Sustainable Blue Economy, Climate Finance, and International Policy. I fundraised $300k for "Made by Africraft" in 2021. Tatiana, the COO, designed the Uganics warehouse funded by Johnson & Johnson, raised $200k for Kimuli Collections during COVID-19, and grew Wandar Village to an exit by selling the solution to Uganda's Tourism Lead Amos Wekesa in 2022 and Ridhiwan, our CTO, is experienced in Software Development, Data Science, and Computational Chemistry, having developed the Mapindi App used by thousands of students and Smart-Taka, being adopted by PETPro. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on the fishing industry in Tanzania.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunwaveltd/

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By increasing the shelf-life of fish, solar-powered ice makers help small-scale fishers reduce post-harvest losses, thus increasing their income and reducing poverty levels in fishing communities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Improved preservation of fish ensures a more stable and reliable food supply, contributing to food security and reducing hunger.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Freshly preserved fish reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses, improving health and well-being in fishing communities and among consumers.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

We believe higher incomes from reduced post-harvest losses can provide fishers with more resources to invest in education for their children.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

This is a women led startup. Most women in Tanzania are neglected resources when it comes to the fishing industry but that narrative is changing now to empower more women who are often involved in post-harvest activities like fish processing and marketing. Access to solar-powered ice makers can improve their productivity and income, promoting gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By reducing the reliance on diesel generators and other polluting methods of ice production, there is less contamination of water sources, contributing to cleaner water.

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 utilizing solar energy for ice production provides an affordable and renewable energy source, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy.

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 solar-powered ice makers can create new job opportunities and improve working conditions in the fishing industry, promoting sustained economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By introducing innovative solar technology we are supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure and promotes technological advancement in the fishing industry.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Access to solar-powered ice makers will help reduce economic disparities by empowering marginalized small-scale fishers to compete more effectively in the market.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Improved livelihoods for fishers can lead to more sustainable and resilient coastal communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Enhanced fish preservation contributes to more responsible consumption by reducing waste and promoting sustainable production practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Solar-powered ice makers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on the use of diesel generators, contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation for small scale fishers.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

By reducing the need for frequent fishing trips due to better preservation of catch, there is less pressure on marine ecosystems, promoting the sustainability of aquatic life.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Reduced pollution from traditional ice-making methods such as Kandoro which is one of the current alternatives protects terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

We believe economic stability and improved livelihoods contribute to social stability and can strengthen local governance and community institutions.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

For us deploying solar-powered ice makers involves partnerships between governments, NGOs, private sectors, and local communities, fostering collaboration to achieve the SDGs.

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

5

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

6

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

6

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

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Our solar-powered ice makers are uniquely suited to the needs of small-scale fishers and sellers in Tanzania by providing a reliable, sustainable solution to preserve fish in remote, off-grid areas. Unlike traditional ice-making methods that rely on costly and polluting diesel generators, our system harnesses abundant solar energy, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. This innovation not only extends the shelf-life of fish, enhancing food security and income stability, but also promotes economic resilience. The technology is tailored to local conditions, easy to maintain, and supports the livelihoods of fishing communities by ensuring a consistent, high-quality supply of fresh fish.

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

Our main competitors are industries that make ice blocks, shops and people that freeze ice in plastic bags for sell. Our ice is food grade compared to our competitors and it is produced in shapes and purity that makes it last longer compared to our competitors.

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

Yes. I work with 31 female entrepreneurs from Bagamoyo Entrepreneurs to co-design and co-create innovative ocean climate solutions to improve their business. These women grow seaweed, they do fishing as well as Sea Cucumber farming. I connect them to markets and individuals interested in their products and we also do packaging together. I do all this through Tanzania Ocean Climate Innovation Hub under endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade as part of GEOS Program under Ocean Visions.